The role in the Virtual Astronomical Observatory in the era of massive data sets

TL;DR

This paper discusses the Virtual Astronomical Observatory's efforts to develop services and protocols for managing large, complex astronomy data sets, emphasizing innovative strategies within limited budgets.

Contribution

It presents VAO's active development of new services and protocols to handle the increasing size and complexity of astronomical data.

Findings

Development of new data services and protocols

Active engagement in innovative strategies

Evaluation of new services through professional outreach

Abstract

The Virtual Observatory (VO) is realizing global electronic integration of astronomy data. One of the long-term goals of the U.S. VO project, the Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO), is development of services and protocols that respond to the growing size and complexity of astronomy data sets. This paper describes how VAO staff are active in such development efforts, especially in innovative strategies and techniques that recognize the limited operating budgets likely available to astronomers even as demand increases. The project has a program of professional outreach whereby new services and protocols are evaluated.