Provenance of astronomical data

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of detailed provenance information for astronomical data in the context of Open Science and the IVOA Provenance Data Model to enhance data trustworthiness and reusability.

Contribution

It reviews the IVOA Provenance Data Model and its role in structuring detailed provenance information for astronomical datasets.

Findings

Provenance is crucial for data trustworthiness.

The IVOA model provides a foundation for detailed provenance management.

Enhanced provenance supports FAIR principles in astronomy.

Abstract

In the context of Open Science, provenance has become a decisive piece of information to provide along with astronomical data. Provenance is explicitly cited in the FAIR principles, that aims to make research data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. The IVOA Provenance Data Model, published in 2020, puts in place the foundations for structuring and managing detailed provenance information, from the acquisition of raw data, to the dissemination of final products. The ambition is to provide for each astronomical dataset a sufficiently fine grained and detailed provenance information so that end-users understand the quality, reliability and trustworthiness of the data. This would ensure that the Reusable principle is respected.