The data center for the Spectrometer and Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) on board Solar Orbiter

Abstract

Context. The Spectrometer and Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) on board Solar Orbiter observes solar X-ray emission in the range of 4–150 keV and produces spectra and images of solar flares over a wide range of flare magnitudes. During nominal operation, STIX continuously generates data. A constant data flow requires fully automated data-processing pipelines to process and analyze the data, and a data platform to manage, visualize, and distribute the data products to the scientific community. Aims. The STIX Data Center has been built to fulfill these needs. In this paper, we outline its main components to help the community better understand the tools and data it provides. Methods. The STIX Data Center is operated at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and consists of automated processing pipelines and a data platform. The pipelines process STIX telemetry data, perform common analysis tasks, and generate data products at different processing levels. They have been designed to operate fully automatically with minimal human intervention. The data platform provides web-based user interfaces and application programmable interfaces for searching and downloading STIX data products. Results. The STIX Data Center has been operating successfully for more than two years. The platform facilitates instrument operations and provides vital support to STIX data users.