Ginga LAC Raw Data: X-Ray Observations from 1987-1991

Over 1000 pointed observations of approximately 350 different cosmic X-ray sources were performed by the Ginga satellite between 1987 and 1991. The raw data from its main instrument, the Large Area Counter (LAC), is provided in FITS format by NASA HEASARC. This database table was last updated by the HEASARC in August 2005.

Use Cases

• Analyze X-ray source variability based on over 1000 pointed observations mentioned in the description
• Study spectral properties of cosmic X-ray sources based on the LAC's 1.5-37 keV energy sensitivity
• Perform time-series analysis on observations covering approximately 350 different targets
• Compare instrument performance based on the LAC's 4000 cm² effective area and 1.1 x 2.0 degree field of view

Strengths

• Over 1000 pointed observations covering approximately 350 different cosmic X-ray source classes
• Data from a primary scientific instrument with a 4000 cm² effective area and 1.5-37 keV energy range
• Mission lifetime provides a consistent 4-year observation window from 1987 to 1991

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Last updated 2026-03-13 18:28:13.824877; freshness should be verified
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC

Collection Method

Observations from the Ginga satellite's Large Area Counter (LAC) instrument

Time Range

1987-02-05 to 1991-11-01

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:28:13.824877

Geography

Space-based observations; no specific terrestrial geography