Infrared astronomy archived data: overview and prospects

Abstract

Taken collectively, the data sets from the various past infrared missions form a remarkable base of knowledge about the sky. These data support archival research, motivate and inform planning for new missions. In today's information technology environment, the scientific potential of such a collection is enhanced by the integrated access and analysis tools coming online in efforts generally described as "Virtual Observatory" projects. The Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) is a major hub of the archived infrared sky, having been designated by NASA as the infrared Science Archive Center. This talk surveys the infrared data sets available today on-line, the prospects for future additions, and the astrophysics enabled both within the infrared domain and by connection to other wavelength domains.

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