A Python client for the ATLAS API

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Python client library for the ATLAS API, facilitating easier access for bots and scientists to the ATLAS astronomical data stream for transient detection and follow-up.

Contribution

The paper presents a new Python client for the ATLAS API, enabling streamlined programmatic access to astronomical alert data for automated analysis.

Findings

Enhanced access to ATLAS data stream for automation

Facilitated alert ranking and follow-up triggers

Improved integration for scientific workflows

Abstract

The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) is an all-sky optical sky survey with a cadence of 24 to 48 hours and the ATLAS Transient Server processes the alert stream to enable the discovery and follow-up of extra-galactic transients. The data from the ATLAS server can be accessed through a REST API, which has allowed the development of bots that need direct access to the data to help rank alerts and trigger followup observations of promising targets. Here we present the python client we have developed for the ATLAS API to help connect bots and scientists to our data.