ESO Archive Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Data: How is the proprietary period of data regulated?
Starting as of Period 91 (and covering also observations carried over to period 91 and subsequent), the proprietary period of all science and acquisition files is counted from the moment the files can be accessed and downloaded from the ESO Science Archive, i.e. both data and metadata have arrived in the ESO Science Archive in Garching. The release date of any affected file is set to the date of that event (successful reception) plus "the proprietary period" (typically one year), and the proprietary countdown begins.
The above applies to both Visitor and Service Mode data, as the Archive is the only official channel for accessing the data.
No PI or PI delegate action affects the run of the proprietary period.
Calibration files are not subject to any proprietary period, and are immediately accessible to all users.
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