The History file

MADCUBA handles data differently compared to other programs by separating the history of operations from the FITS file headers. Instead of writing new history records as header cards in the FITS file, MADCUBA creates a dedicated history file to store all operations performed on the data.

madcubapy was created to help the user read FITS files alongside this external history information with ease in Python.

Key Characteristics of the History File

• Name: The history file shares the same base name as the FITS file, with the suffix _hist.csv. Example: For data_cube.fits, the history file is data_cube_hist.csv.

• Content: It contains a chronological record of every operation applied to the data since its import into MADCUBA.

How madcubapy Integrates the History File

madcubapy simplifies the workflow by merging the FITS file and its corresponding history file into a unified Python object. This integration ensures:

• Easy access to both data and its processing history.

• Seamless compatibility with Astropy-based workflows.

• Improved efficiency in managing and analyzing MADCUBA-exported files.

For more details on madcubapy’s functionality, check the Examples Gallery or explore the Tutorials.