Project Status and Changes

Last updated: December 15, 2025

Project Update: A New Beginning

v2.0.0 – The previous version of this project was discontinued in Spring 2025. The entire system has since undergone a complete technological modernization. This update represents a foundational redesign to ensure long-term stability, scalability, and enhanced scientific features.

✅ Completed Features (V.2.1.0)

  • Multi-Criteria Search: Users can search based on Galaxy name, Variable Star Type, or celestial coordinates (RA/DEC/Radius).
  • Column Selection: Users can choose which data fields are visible in the search result table.
  • Photometric Filters and Periods: Implemented selection and display of photometric data using Johnson (U, B, V, R, I, J, H, K), Gunn (u, g, r, i, z), and Gaia (G) color filters and period values.
  • Coordinate Query Logic: Full functionality for spatial searching (RA/DEC/Radius).
  • Priority Sorting: Search results are automatically sorted by Angular Separation (distance) in ascending order when coordinate search is active.
  • Distance Column: The calculated `Angular Separation` (in arcsec) column is displayed and sortable.
  • Table Presentation: Search result table now supports horizontal scrolling for wide datasets.
  • Core Stability: Resolved key issues ensuring reliable search functionality.
  • Populate Detail Page: Fill the `/ceph/ID` detail page with comprehensive measurements and the list of related scientific articles/publications.

Current Development Plan

1. Data Integrity and Population (Highest Priority)

  • Missing Cepheids: Currently, many Cepheids are missing from the database, particularly those belonging to Large Galaxies (LMC, SMC, Andromeda, etc.). Populating these large galaxy datasets is an immediate priority.
  • Missing Coordinates: Address objects where coordinates are currently missing because only original CCD chip X/Y positions were provided in source articles. Recalculation and population of celestial coordinates for these objects is a key goal.
  • Alphanumeric Sorting Fix: Improve the sorting of Cepheid IDs (e.g., V001, V10) to ensure natural, logical ordering (1, 2, 10, 100) instead of alphabetical sorting.

2. Detail Page, External Data, and Navigation

  • Import Gaia Data: Integrate and display data from the Gaia mission for relevant objects.
  • Menu System Simplification: Simplify and streamline the main navigation structure for better user experience.

3. Community and Future Tools

  • Author Search Implementation: Develop the ability to search for scientific authors/publications directly.
  • Author- and Reference-Based Star Search: Implement star search functionality filtered by the relevant scientific papers and author(s) of the discovery/measurement.
  • Python Package (Distant Future Goal): Develop a Python package to facilitate easy searching and data access, to be published on PyPI.
  • Bulk Query System: Create a dedicated query form for initiating large, complex, or programmatic database searches.
  • Documentation: Prepare comprehensive documentation for all new features and the Python package.
  • Interactive Plotting: We have some (many!) measurement points, a good ploting tool is needed. Also, it is essential to have an option for the user to download light curve data. The same for radial velocity data for those star that have RV measurements.

⚠️ The most critical immediate task is the Population and Validation of Data to ensure the site's value and scientific integrity.