SAS-3: Y-Axis Pointed X-Ray Observation Log

The Third Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS-3) Y-Axis Pointed Observation Log identifies possible pointed observations of celestial X-ray sources. It was compiled by R. Kelley, P. Goetz, and L. Petro from notes made at the time of the observations and released by NASA HEASARC in June 2000. The log is described as neither complete nor fully accurate, with known inconsistencies in observation dates, times, and classifications.

Use Cases

• Identify historical pointed observations of X-ray sources based on the observation log.
• Analyze potential errors in observation classification, such as mislabeled spinning or dither observations.
• Cross-reference X-ray source data with other catalogs using the provided observation dates and times.
• Study the operational history and pointing data of the SAS-3 X-Ray Observatory's y-axis detectors.

Strengths

• Compiled from original observation notes by mission personnel (R. Kelley, P. Goetz, L. Petro).
• Includes additional information added by the NASA HEASARC.
• Provides a direct link to documentation about the SAS-3 detectors and their fields of view.

Limitations

• The log is explicitly described as neither complete nor fully accurate.
• Contains known inconsistencies in start dates, end dates, and durations for a number of rows.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC, based on the SAS-3 Y-Axis Pointed Observation Log from the NSSDC (dataset ID 75-037A-02B).

Collection Method

Compiled from notes made at the time of the observations, with some additional information added by HEASARC.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 18:35:01.743649; freshness should be verified.