Data Analysis (Post-BCD Software)

Welcome to the Spitzer Data Analysis pages

Here you will find all of the documentation and software for use with the Basic Calibrated Data (BCDs) you obtain from Spitzer. This suite of software is also known as the "Post-BCD" software, but much of it can be used with more than just Spitzer data. The information required to reduce and analyze Spitzer data is organized according to instrument, and includes a description of the data products, data caveats, calibration files, links to the reduction sofware and user guides, and example input parameter files:

What's New?

• (12.10.09) The Customizable User Pipeline for IRS Data (CUPID) has been released. CUPID allows users to run the Spitzer IRS Pipelines to re-create Basic Calibrated Data and extract calibrated spectra from the archived raw files. CUPID provides full access to all parameters of the BCD, COADD, BKSUB, BKSUBX, and COADDX pipelines, as well as the opportunity for users to provide their own calibration files (e.g., flats or darks). We recommend users read the IRS Pipeline Description document before running CUPID.


• (09.25.09) MOPEX update released (v18.3.1) with new functionality, new namelists and several big fixes. MOPEX now enables users to carry out photometry on their own input source lists (APEX User List). Users can also subtract the zodiacal light from their frames and automatically make their IRAC Array Location Dependence Correction mosaics within MOPEX. Template namelists have been updated to reflect current best practices. For more information and a complete list of changes, see the MOPEX changelog.


• (08.25.09) COAD v1.0 released. This IDL software will combine Spitzer IRS BCD images, creating mean images along with uncertainty and mask files.


• Previous news items

Quick Links

• New Users start here
• Instructions on downloading and installing the software
• Data Reduction and Analysis Cookbooks
• MOPEX Online Manual

How to get help / report bugs

For general Spitzer help or for assistance with SSC Supported Software, check the FAQ pages or email the Spitzer Helpdesk. We endeavor to answer all questions within 1-2 days, but during busy times it may take up to 5 days to get back to you.

To report a bug in SSC Supported Software, please email the Spitzer Helpdesk. Please include the platform you are running (e.g. Linux RedHat/Mac OSX/Solaris), the AOR Key if you are reducing Spitzer data, a description of what you were doing at the time and the error message that was displayed (if any). If you are using a GUI version of our software, please also include the most recent log file, found in your ~/.spot directory.

For all problems/bug reports regarding Contributed Software, please email the appropriate developers, listed on the Contributed Software page.