Program Interfaces

IRSA offers program-friendly interfaces to all of its holdings. Through an Application Program Interface (API), users can access IRSA data directly (within a script or on the command line) without the need to go through interactive web-based user interfaces. These APIs allow users to write software that can talk to IRSA's software to carry out queries and download data, with no user intervention.

The International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA) has defined a set of standard API protocols, making it easier for users to access data from different providers. All of IRSA's images and catalogs are available through VO-compliant APIs. We also provide APIs that allow more complex functionality but are not compliant with the VO standard.

Follow the appropriate link below to find the API instructions best suited to your goals.

• Catalogs
• Images
• Spectra
• Dust Extinction
• IRSA IBE