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harvellt
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title says it all...why..Why Use IRAF? The Benefits of This Powerful Image Processing Tool
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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the IRAF software in astronomy, its development and advantages, and the comparison to other amateur software with GUIs. While some may prefer the visually appealing GUIs, IRAF's strength lies in its scripting and programming capabilities, making it a highly productive tool for image analysis and reduction. It was initially developed for Kitt Peak National Observatory and later adopted by other institutions, including the Hubble Space Telescope. The conversation also touches on the importance of adopting universal standards in science, which may not always keep up with technology but allows for widespread acceptance and cost effectiveness.
title says it all...why..- #2
mgb_phys
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You haven't seen the stuff we used to use on VMS before iraf!
Remember it was designed in the late 80s for machines in the early 90s, when 32mb of memory was a server and you had to book 300Mb of disk space weeks in advance.
Remember it was designed in the late 80s for machines in the early 90s, when 32mb of memory was a server and you had to book 300Mb of disk space weeks in advance.
- #3
harvellt
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Really? I kind assumed IRAF was a little older than that and the first. I have read some user guides talking about images stored on magnetic tape... Guess I'm just jealous of some of the (all be it expensive) "amateur" software with the pretty GUIs. Is there a reason IRAF is better than those?
- #4
mgb_phys
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There are probably amateur astronomy packages that do better image display than saoimage these days.
The big advantage of iraf is that it's a programming environment, so if you need to background subtract, bias flat, merge and align, then extract photometry from 1000s of images you can write a script.
Iraf was developed for the Hubble Space Telescope
The big advantage of iraf is that it's a programming environment, so if you need to background subtract, bias flat, merge and align, then extract photometry from 1000s of images you can write a script.
Iraf was developed for the Hubble Space Telescope
- #5
mjfitzpatrick
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Actually, it was developed for Kitt Peak National Observatory and then later adopted by STScI (and ROSAT as well as other ground-based observatories) as the platform for their analysis/reduction software. It's not just scriptable, it has a complete compiled language for development as well (SPP). Yeah it's an old system, but still one of the most productive around.
Say what you will about GUIs, but can they be used to http://iraf.net/article.php/20080124231526240"
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- #6
Chronos
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Adopting 'universal' standards is a necessary evil in science. It changes more slowly than technology. It trades speed for widespread acceptance, usability and cost effectiveness. Modern computers are still backwards compatible - or can be so adapted at little expense. Besides, it provides an endless supply of IT jobs.
FAQ: Why Use IRAF? The Benefits of This Powerful Image Processing Tool
1. Why is IRAF important in scientific research?
IRAF (Image Reduction and Analysis Facility) is important in scientific research because it is a powerful and versatile software package specifically designed for astronomical image processing and data analysis. It provides a wide range of tools and algorithms for data reduction, calibration, and analysis, making it an essential tool for astronomers and other scientists who work with astronomical data.
2. What are the main features of IRAF?
The main features of IRAF include its ability to handle large and complex datasets, its extensive library of specialized tasks for image processing and analysis, its flexibility in allowing users to write their own scripts and programs, and its compatibility with various operating systems. It also has a user-friendly interface and detailed documentation, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.
3. How is IRAF different from other image processing software?
IRAF is specifically designed for astronomical data and is optimized for the unique challenges and characteristics of this type of data. Unlike general-purpose image processing software, IRAF has specialized tools and algorithms for tasks such as cosmic ray removal, background subtraction, and photometry. It also has a modular structure that allows users to combine different tasks and customize their data analysis pipeline.
4. Is IRAF still relevant in the era of modern data analysis tools?
Yes, IRAF is still relevant and widely used in scientific research. While there are many newer data analysis tools available, IRAF remains a powerful and reliable option for astronomical data processing and analysis. It also has a large and active user community, providing support and updates to keep it relevant and up-to-date.
5. Can IRAF be used for data analysis in other fields besides astronomy?
Although IRAF was originally developed for astronomy, its tools and algorithms can be applied to other fields that deal with image data. It has been used in various scientific disciplines, including biology, geology, and medical imaging. However, it may require some customization and additional plugins to be applicable to other fields beyond astronomy.
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