Allow Heasarc.locate_data to also list encrypted data · Issue #3657 · astropy/astroquery · GitHub
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Allow Heasarc.locate_data to also list encrypted data #3657

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Allow Heasarc.locate_data to also list encrypted data#3657
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@matteobachetti
matteobachetti
opened on Sep 7, 2026

The difference in HEASARC paths between public and encrypted data in NuSTAR is just a change of directory: /encrypted/ vs /obs/, I don't know if it is the same in all missions.
In any case, it would be good to have the option (keyword argument?) to also list these directories with locate_data. If then one has the key (=the rightful owner) they can also decrypt them.

Can it be done? Technically I'm sure yes, but politically?

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  1. ManonMarchand
    added
    heasarc
    on Sep 8, 2026

  2. bsipocz commented on Sep 18, 2026

    @bsipocz
    bsipocz
    on Sep 18, 2026
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    cc @zoghbi-a

  3. bsipocz
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    question
    on Sep 18, 2026

  4. zoghbi-a commented on Sep 21, 2026

    @zoghbi-a
    zoghbi-a
    on Sep 21, 2026
    Contributor

    I checked with the backend team and this what they said:

    Encrypted data have not historically been made available through Browse or Xamin [astroquery uses Xamin]. Since only the PI can decrypt the data, the encrypted data files are useless to everyone else and they could potentially cause confusion for some users unfamiliar with encryption. Each mission typically emails the PI a download link after their data is processed and available for download, and the PI downloads their data from some path under https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/FTP/

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