The current release
The current PhAst release is 1.3.Obtaining PhAst
In order to use PhAst, you must either obtain a copy of the binaty (executable) or download the source code and related components. The source code approach is more complicated, but has several distinct advantages for the advanecd user. These include making your own code modifications, running PhAst without the IDL Virtual Machine splash screen, and calling PhAst from within your procedures. If you do not have an IDL license, you must use the binary.
Manual
The PhAst manual can be obtained in PDF form here. It contains detailed installation instructions and extensive documentation of the program.
A zipped directory containing a sample image (both raw and calibrated), calibration images, configuration file, and SExtractor/SCAMP/missFITS configuration files is available here.
Binary method
The PhAst binary is located here.To install the binary, unzip the file in the location you want to install PhAst.
Running the binary requires the IDL Virtual Machine, available here. The packages listed in the Optional packages section below are still necessary if you desire that functionality.
Source method
To use the source code, the following is required:- An IDL license
- phast13.zip, the installation files.
- The NASA IDL Astronomy User's Library, available here
- The Coyote Library, available here
Optional packages
The following packages are optional, but required for many PhAst functions:- SExtractor, an object extraction package by Emmanuel Bertin.
- SCAMP, a package for generating astrometric solutions by Emmanuel Bertin.
- missFITS, a package for writing SCAMP solutions to FITS headers by Emmanuel Bertin.