By logging in to the HEASARC on-line services, users can access ROSAT status reports, timelines, the AO proposal list, and an observation log. The captive account XRAY may be accessed via SPAN or telnet (see address header).
ROSAT information is available within the XRAY account through the bulletin board and the database system. To access the bulletin board, simply type `BULLETIN'; information on the latest HEASARC developments is posted there, as are status reports for ROSAT and GRO.
To access the database system, type 'BROWSE' followed by the name of the database you wish to view. ('BROWSE ?' lists available databases.) BROWSE is a command-driven program which allows users to manipulate, display, and execute analysis tasks on database entries.
Example session (search ROSATLOG for a specific PI name):
HEASARC> BROWSE ROSATLOG load the ROSATLOG database
...> HELP get help on browse commands
...> DBHELP get help on current database
...> SP PI WHITE Search the total sample for entries
with 'WHITE' as PI. All entries
will be displayed.
...> DALL 1 display all information in entry 1
...> RSAM reset the sample to TOTAL again
...> EXIT quit browse
ROSAT public archive data can be extracted using the BROWSE request command.
Example session (obtaining data from the US public archive once data files are located):
HEASARC> BROWSE ROSUSPSPC load the US PSPC database
...> SC do coordinate search (prompts for values)
...> displays all files matching search criterion
...> REQUEST starts automatic procedure to de-archive the
data that user requested as file numbers.
Will prompt user for their e-mail address
...> EXIT
BROWSE will send a request for data to ARMS (Automated Retrieval Mail System). ARMS will de-archive and place the data in an anonymous FTP area that the user can access for downloading. The system will also notify the user via e-mail when the de-archiving has been completed. For more information see the document `Using the US Public Data Archive'. It is available via anonymous ftp on the `legacy' machine in directory rosat/doc/archive. The document describes in detail how to obtain data via BROWSE, ARMS or MIPS.
BROWSE can also be accessed via the www HEASARC home page as given in the header.