Cluster modeling
The Cluster Modeling Tool fits theoretical stellar isochrones to multi-band photometry of a star cluster to estimate its distance, age, metallicity, and reddening. It's modeled as a Skynet data tool that consumes observation results from the network — so analyses live alongside the data they came from rather than as detached local files.
Status: the cluster tool's data model is in place (
ClusterModelingTooland related records) but a dedicated React-port surface is still in development. Today, running the analysis lives in Astromancer for the education path; this page will be updated when an in-app route lands.
When to use it
Use the cluster tool when you have multi-filter optical imaging of an open or globular cluster and you want to:
- Find the distance modulus, age, and metallicity that best fit the cluster's color-magnitude diagram (CMD).
- Estimate interstellar reddening along the line of sight.
- Compare the cluster's CMD against pre-computed isochrone grids (e.g., PARSEC, MIST).
- Identify likely member stars and reject foreground/background contamination.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs:
- Photometry from optical imaging observations through two or more filters covering a useful color baseline (typically B/V or g/r).
- Optionally, a center and search radius for the cluster.
Outputs:
- Best-fit isochrone overlaid on the cluster CMD.
- Fitted parameters with uncertainties (distance, age, metallicity, reddening).
- Membership probabilities per source.
- An exportable result record (
ClusterModelingToolrow in the database) plus any plots and tables generated.
Reference
ClusterModelingTool Schema
Description: Generate an HR diagram for a globular cluster.
Properties
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| id | Integer |
No description |
| name | String(Unbounded) |
No description |
| data_tool_type | Enum(radio_tracking_continuum, radio_tracking_spectrum, time_series_photometry, spectral_composer, time_lapse_creator, cluster_modeling, transient_detector) |
No description |
| creator_id | Integer |
No description |
| observation_id | Integer (Optional) |
No description |
| project_id | Integer (Optional) |
No description |
| status | Enum(ready, running, completed, failed, canceled) |
No description |
| iterations | Integer |
No description |
| priority | Integer |
No description |
| created_on | DateTime |
No description |
| started_on | DateTime (Optional) |
No description |
| completed_on | DateTime (Optional) |
No description |
| version | String(64) (Optional) |
No description |
| error_messages | JSONB (Optional) |
No description |
| current_stage | String(100) (Optional) |
No description |
| current_stage_index | Integer (Optional) |
No description |
| total_stages | Integer (Optional) |
No description |
| current_stage_progress | Float (Optional) |
No description |
Relationships
| Relationship Name | Type |
|---|---|
| creator | User |
| observation | Observation |
| project | Project |