The Very-high-energy Open Data Format: towards a shared, open data format in very-high-energy astronomy

TL;DR

The paper discusses the development of the Very-high-energy Open Data Format (VODF), a standardized data format for VHE gamma-ray and neutrino observatories, promoting open science and multi-messenger astrophysics.

Contribution

It introduces the VODF initiative, establishing a common data format for VHE astrophysics facilities to enhance data sharing and interoperability.

Findings

VODF is adopted by eleven VHE facilities.

The format supports FAIR principles and IVOA standards.

Community feedback is solicited for future development.

Abstract

In very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy, the community is converging towards the use of a common open data format, called "Data formats for Gamma-ray Astronomy", for the high-level data products. This format is in use for ground-based TeV observatories like H.E.S.S., MAGIC or HAWC, some of whom plan to openly release high-level data products. These efforts are parallel to the development and use of open analysis software such as the Gammapy package. This open initiative has shown that it is possible to define common standards even without governance. With the advent of open VHE observatories (e.g. CTAO, KM3NeT) and an increase in both multi-wavelength and multi-messenger studies, such standards should evolve to support all of VHE multi-messenger astrophysics. For these reasons, a new initiative has been created to specify formats of high-level data from very and ultra high energy gamma-ray facilities and from VHE neutrino detectors. It also aims to better respect the FAIR principles and the IVOA recommendations.This communication will present the Very-high-energy Open Data Format (VODF) project that has been established by eleven VHE astroparticle facilities. Its structure, its organisation and its goal will be presented. Anchored in Open Science, our goal is to solicit comments and future contributions from the VHE astrophysics community.