# Digitized Sky Survey

> digitization of several astronomical surveys by the Space Telescope Science Institute

**Wikidata**: [Q1225100](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1225100)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitized_Sky_Survey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/digitized-sky-survey

## Summary
The Digitized Sky Survey (DSS) is a digital representation of several astronomical surveys, produced and operated by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). It serves as a critical resource for identifying and observing distant space objects by converting photographic plates into digital data. The project is associated with the operation of space telescopes and maintains a specific observatory code for minor planet tracking.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), a research institute based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
- **Nature:** An instance of both an astronomical survey and a space telescope-related project.
- **Function:** Digitization of several astronomical photographic surveys.
- **Short Name:** DSS
- **Aliases:** DSS2, 數位巡天 2, 数字化巡天, 數位化巡天
- **Website:** http://archive.stsci.edu/cgi-bin/dss_form
- **Location Coordinates:** Latitude -31.276811111111112, Longitude 149.0661 (Australia).
- **Minor Planet Center Code:** 260
- **Inception of Operator:** STScI was established in 1981.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly is the Digitized Sky Survey?
A: The Digitized Sky Survey is a project that created a digital version of several astronomical surveys. It is managed by the Space Telescope Science Institute to assist in the observation of distant space objects.

### Q: Who operates the Digitized Sky Survey?
A: The survey is operated by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), a research institute located in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.

### Q: Is the Digitized Sky Survey associated with a physical location?
A: Yes. While operated from the United States, the survey is geocoded to coordinates in Australia (Lat -31.27, Lon 149.06) and holds the Minor Planet Center observatory code 260.

## Why It Matters
The Digitized Sky Survey represents a pivotal shift in astronomy from physical photographic plates to accessible digital data. By digitizing several historical surveys, the Space Telescope Science Institute enabled a wider range of astronomers and researchers to access sky data without needing physical observation time. This digital archive facilitates the identification of targets for space telescopes and other instruments, streamlining the process of observing distant space objects.

The project's specific association with the Minor Planet Center observatory code 260 highlights its utility in tracking and cataloging celestial bodies within the solar system. Furthermore, maintaining the survey under the operator STScI—the same institute responsible for major space telescopes—ensures that the data remains integrated with cutting-edge space observation missions. Its existence allows for the cross-referencing of historical data with modern findings, serving as a permanent digital record of the sky.

## Notable For
- **Comprehensive Digitization:** It is the digitization of *several* distinct astronomical surveys, consolidating them into a single resource.
- **Operational Hub:** It is owned and operated by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), a major hub for space research established in 1981.
- **Global Data Integration:** While managed in the US, it incorporates data linked to coordinates in Australia, reflecting a global scope of astronomical coverage.
- **Official Recognition:** It is recognized by the Minor Planet Center with the observatory code 260.

## Body
### Definition and Purpose
The Digitized Sky Survey (DSS) is defined primarily as the digitization of several astronomical surveys. It is cataloged as an instance of an "astronomical survey" and is also classified under "space telescope" domains. The primary purpose of the DSS is to provide a digital reference for instruments used in observing distant space objects.

### Ownership and Operation
The project is owned and operated by the **Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)**.
- **Location of Operator:** STScI is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
- **Inception:** The institute itself was founded in 1981.

### Geographical and Technical Data
According to structured property data, the Digitized Sky Survey is associated with specific geographical coordinates and technical identifiers:
- **Coordinates:** Latitude -31.276811111111112, Longitude 149.0661. These coordinates locate the entity in **Australia**.
- **Country Listing:** Australia.
- **Observatory Code:** The survey is assigned the Minor Planet Center observatory code **260**.

### Identifiers and Aliases
The entity is known by several names and identifiers across different platforms:
- **Aliases:** DSS, DSS2, 數位巡天 2, 数字化巡天, 數位化巡天.
- **Web Access:** The survey can be accessed via the STScI archive at `http://archive.stsci.edu/cgi-bin/dss_form`.
- **External IDs:**
    - Freebase ID: `/m/03vl4k`
    - Microsoft Academic ID: `2778322155` (discontinued)
    - Wikimedia Commons Category: Digitized Sky Survey

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013