The 2MASS Data Release Frequently Asked Questions Page
- "Are there any
related papers published for 2MASS,
specifically, any software papers published or technical papers
released relating during its development?"
Please see the Explanatory Supplement for the most detailed technical information on 2MASS and the data releases. Other technical documents can likely be found here.
- "How do I obtain a DVD-ROM version of the Release?"
The DVD-ROM can be ordered using the order form.
- "How much does the DVD-ROM cost?"
The DVD-ROM is free of charge.
- "I have received a DVD-ROM containing the 2MASS Release. Unfortunately, I am not able to read it. What hardware supports the 2MASS DVD-ROM?"
Here's a short list of DVD devices with which users have successfully read both sides of the Release DVD-ROM:
- Creative Labs DVD6240E
- Creative Labs 6X DVD 6630E
- Dell badged 4X DVD-ROM
- portable Sony DVD
- Pioneer DVD
- Pioneer DVD-U02
- Pioneer DVD-103S trayless
- Toshiba DVD-ROM SD-C2202 1D13
- Toshiba DVD SD-C2102
- Samsung DVD-ROM
- "How can I ftp the Release Catalogs?"
The Release Catalogs, as well as the Release Scan Information Table, and other supporting files, can be obtained at this ftp site.
- "I can't find TIFF or other full-resolution images. Are they on the site?"
Yes, full-resolution JPG renditions of Atlas Images and Atlas Image mosaics can be found on the 2MASS Image Galleries.
- "I would like to use an Atlas Image or Image Mosaic from the 2MASS Release gallery in a publication. How do I obtain permission to use the Image?"
Images in the 2MASS Image Galleries are in the public domain, so you are free to use the images that you download from these sites. However, we ask that you please use the following acknowledgement, where possible, with the image:
"Atlas Image [or Atlas Image mosaic] obtained as part of the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), a joint project of the University of Massachusetts and the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center/California Institute of Technology, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation."- "When will there be an Atlas Image DVD-ROM made, or will there ever be one?"
Given the sheer volume of Image data, the production of a DVD-ROM of this sort is prohibitive. However, the full-resolution Atlas Images will soon become available online. In the meantime, the compressed Atlas Images are currently online via the IRSA Survey Visualizer.
- "Can the Explanatory Supplement be downloaded as a single file?"
The Explanatory Supplement is intended to be a "living document", i.e., it is modified at frequent intervals, such that a hardcopy soon becomes outdated. However, for future releases, we will offer the Supplement as a single document on the DVD-ROM versions of the releases.
- "When is the Second Incremental Data Release for 2MASS expected?
The Second Incremental Data Release is imminent!
- "How do I see what part of the sky will be part of the Second Incremental Data Release?"
To see what will be publicly available in the upcoming Second Incremental Release (~47% of sky), please see the Release preview page, specifically, the high-resolution preview tool.
- "How do I obtain a DVD-ROM version of the Release?"
Last update: 2000 Feb 29, [email protected].
Back to the First Incremental Data Release Page.