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Overview
HST Data Formats and Processing
The format of HST science files and the procedures used to analyse them are described in detail in the introduction to the HST Data Handbook, and are also summarised on a separate page. Note that the information provided there applies only to standard science files, and not to advanced products such as the WFPC2 associations or the Hubble Legacy Archive products (see below). A detailed explanation of the files present for each instrument is provided on a separate page.
HST data served from the ESO/ST-ECF archive have been pre-processed and are available at all times directly from spinning disk. These archive holdings are constantly re-calibrated according to the newest available software and reference files. For more information on this system, dubbed the HST Cache, please see this page.
The ST-ECF also delivers advanced data products. These include the WFPC2 Associations, stacks of grouped WFPC2 observations sharing some key parameters, and the Hubble Legacy Archive, a joint STScI, ST-ECF, and CADC project to deliver science-ready HST products.
HST Archive Browsers
All queries to the Hubble Space Telescope Archive are provided through the WDB interface. If this is the first time you use this system please read the short WDB user guide on how to specify queries in this system. The following queries are provided:
- HST science query. This is the main query page for HST exposures, and should be used in most cases
- HLA query. Query page for Hubble Legacy Archive products at ST-ECF (currently NICMOS slitless spectroscopy)
- Querator. An advanced multi-archive search engine able to retrieve multicolour imaging data
In addition, a few dedicated query pages are also available.
HST Archive Administration
- Register as an archive user (you need this to submit requests for off-line data)
- Check the status of your pending requests.