The Seventeenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys: Complete Release of MaNGA, MaStar and APOGEE-2 Data (2112.02026v2)

Abstract: This paper documents the seventeenth data release (DR17) from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys; the fifth and final release from the fourth phase (SDSS-IV). DR17 contains the complete release of the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey, which reached its goal of surveying over 10,000 nearby galaxies. The complete release of the MaNGA Stellar Library (MaStar) accompanies this data, providing observations of almost 30,000 stars through the MaNGA instrument during bright time. DR17 also contains the complete release of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) survey which publicly releases infra-red spectra of over 650,000 stars. The main sample from the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), as well as the sub-survey Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS) data were fully released in DR16. New single-fiber optical spectroscopy released in DR17 is from the SPectroscipic IDentification of ERosita Survey (SPIDERS) sub-survey and the eBOSS-RM program. Along with the primary data sets, DR17 includes 25 new or updated Value Added Catalogs (VACs). This paper concludes the release of SDSS-IV survey data. SDSS continues into its fifth phase with observations already underway for the Milky Way Mapper (MWM), Local Volume Mapper (LVM) and Black Hole Mapper (BHM) surveys.

• The paper presents DR17 as a culmination of SDSS-IV, releasing complete datasets from MaNGA, MaStar, and APOGEE-2 for advanced astronomical research.
• The surveys provide 3D maps of over 10,000 galaxies and high-quality spectra from nearly 30,000 stars, enabling detailed investigations of galactic dynamics and stellar evolution.
• Enhanced by 25 value-added catalogs, the release offers enriched data products that set a new benchmark for future astrophysical analysis and computational models.

Overview of "The Seventeenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys: Complete Release of MaNGA, MaStar and APOGEE-2 Data"

The paper details the culmination of the fourth phase of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys (SDSS-IV) through its seventeenth data release (DR17). This release signifies a pivotal conclusion, encompassing comprehensive datasets from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA), the MaNGA Stellar Library (MaStar), and the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2).

Key Releases:

1. MaNGA: MaNGA achieved its goal of surveying over 10,000 nearby galaxies, offering detailed 3D maps of galaxy kinematics and compositions. This large-scale mapping enables extensive studies on galactic formation, evolution, and dynamics.
2. MaStar: The MaStar library comprises nearly 30,000 high-quality stellar spectra. These observations bridge gaps in stellar parameter space, crucial for improving stellar population synthesis models in extragalactic studies.
3. APOGEE-2: This survey provides near-infrared spectra of over 650,000 stars, facilitating investigations into the Galactic structure and evolution. The broad coverage across both hemispheres allows unprecedented exploration of the Milky Way.
4. Value Added Catalogs (VACs): DR17 includes 25 new or updated VACs, augmenting the data's scientific utility through well-curated additional data such as derived quantities and enhanced data products.

Implications and Future Directions:

The comprehensive datasets provided by DR17 are invaluable for a wide array of astrophysical inquiries. The rich spectral information allows for advancements in understanding stellar and galactic astrophysics, significantly enhancing the community's capacity to address fundamental questions in cosmic evolution and large-scale structure of the universe.

Among the potential future implications, the seamless integration and continued upgrade of these datasets beckon new methodologies and models, particularly in machine learning algorithms and computational astrophysics.

Upon transitioning into SDSS-V, efforts are underway to focus on time-domain spectroscopy and high-resolution mappings, thereby expanding the thematic scope of SDSS into interstellar medium studies, black hole environments, and much more.

In essence, DR17 not only concludes the SDSS-IV era effectively but also sets a high benchmark for the capabilities expected in the next phases of sky surveys.