What is the reference time for Kepler data?
For Kepler, the reference time is the end time. In the Kepler Instrument Handbook, Section 7.3, users are warned against assuming a precision of better than 9.0 seconds in the absolute time. The Spacecraft Clock, known as the Vehicle Time Code (VTC), has a time resolution of 3.9 milliseconds. For further details consult the Kepler Instrument Handbook. • What are target pixel files? Are they the same as cadence files? When will I need them? Target pixel files are target-specific, binary tables that list the original (uncalibrated) and calibrated pixels values for the target. They are created at the Data Management Center (DMC) at STScI from the calibrated cadence data. These files are provided to permit users to perform their own calibration steps if they are not happy with the SOC calibration done. Users are advised to consult an expert with intimate knowledge of the Kepler pipeline processing algorithms before embarking on do-it-yourself analyses. Note that target pixel files are not
