XMM-Newton Science Analysis System: Users' Guide

2.1 The XMM-Newton data files

The full set of data corresponding to an XMM-Newton observation is basically composed of:

• the observation datafiles (ODF): these files include the raw event science files from the EPIC, RGS and OM instruments, the instrument housekeeping files, the radiation monitor files and the spacecraft files.

• all the data products generated by the Pipeline Processing Subsystem (PPS) at the XMM-Newton Survey Science Center
  www.star.le.ac.uk/newpages/pipe_top_ext.html">http://xmmssc$-$www.star.le.ac.uk/newpages/pipe_top_ext.html.

The XMM-Newton data can be retrieved via ftp at the XMM-Newton Science archive:

http://xmm.esac.esa.int/xsa/

To analyse the data the observer needs to have available also the current calibration files (CCF), which are available on the XMM-Newton web server at:

http://xmm.esac.esa.int/external/xmm_sw_cal/calib/

The XMM-Newton observation data files as well as the current calibration files (CCF), conform to the Flexible Image Transport (FITS) standard. A detailed description of their format, structure, naming convention and contents is provided in the XMM-Newton Data Files Handbook and in the Calibration Access and Data Handbook, both to be found under:

http://xmm.esac.esa.int/external/xmm_sw_cal/calib/documentation.shtml