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SPAN: A cross-platform Python GUI software for optical and near-infrared spectral analysis.

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Title: SPAN: A cross-platform Python GUI software for optical and near-infrared spectral analysis.
Authors: Gasparri, D.1 (AUTHOR) daniele.gasparri@postgrados.uda.cl, Morelli, L.1 (AUTHOR), Battino, U.2,3 (AUTHOR), Méndez-Abreu, J.4,5 (AUTHOR), de Lorenzo-Cáceres, A.4,5 (AUTHOR)
Source: Astronomy & Computing. Apr2026, Vol. 55, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subject Terms: Spectrum analysis, Computer software, Software frameworks, Optical spectroscopy, Astronomical observations, Near infrared spectroscopy
Abstract: The increasing availability of high-quality optical and near-infrared spectroscopic data, as well as advances in modelling techniques, have greatly expanded the scientific potential of spectroscopic studies. However, the software tools needed to exploit this potential often remain fragmented across multiple specialised packages, requiring scripting skills and manual integration to handle complex workflows. In this paper we present SPAN (SPectral ANalysis), a cross-platform, Python-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) software that integrates the essential steps of the modern spectroscopic workflow within a single, user-friendly environment. SPAN provides a coherent framework that unifies data preparation, spectral processing, and analysis tasks, using the pPXF software as its core engine for full spectral fitting. SPAN allows users to extract 1D spectra from FITS images and datacubes, perform spectral processing (e.g. Doppler correction, continuum modelling, denoising), and carry out detailed analyses, including equivalent width measurements, stellar and gas kinematics, and stellar population studies. It runs natively on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android, and is fully task-driven, requiring no prior coding experience. We validate SPAN by comparing its output with existing pipelines and literature studies. By offering a flexible, accessible, and well integrated environment, SPAN simplifies and accelerates the spectral analysis workflow, while maintaining scientific accuracy. • Cross-platform GUI software for optical and NIR spectral analysis of galaxies. • Customisable workflow: spectra extraction, processing, analysis, and plotting. • Advanced analysis using line-strength and full spectral fitting. • Compatible with a wide range of 1D spectra formats and standards. • Freely available on PyPI with full documentation and example datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Database: Supplemental Index
Description
Abstract:The increasing availability of high-quality optical and near-infrared spectroscopic data, as well as advances in modelling techniques, have greatly expanded the scientific potential of spectroscopic studies. However, the software tools needed to exploit this potential often remain fragmented across multiple specialised packages, requiring scripting skills and manual integration to handle complex workflows. In this paper we present SPAN (SPectral ANalysis), a cross-platform, Python-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) software that integrates the essential steps of the modern spectroscopic workflow within a single, user-friendly environment. SPAN provides a coherent framework that unifies data preparation, spectral processing, and analysis tasks, using the pPXF software as its core engine for full spectral fitting. SPAN allows users to extract 1D spectra from FITS images and datacubes, perform spectral processing (e.g. Doppler correction, continuum modelling, denoising), and carry out detailed analyses, including equivalent width measurements, stellar and gas kinematics, and stellar population studies. It runs natively on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android, and is fully task-driven, requiring no prior coding experience. We validate SPAN by comparing its output with existing pipelines and literature studies. By offering a flexible, accessible, and well integrated environment, SPAN simplifies and accelerates the spectral analysis workflow, while maintaining scientific accuracy. • Cross-platform GUI software for optical and NIR spectral analysis of galaxies. • Customisable workflow: spectra extraction, processing, analysis, and plotting. • Advanced analysis using line-strength and full spectral fitting. • Compatible with a wide range of 1D spectra formats and standards. • Freely available on PyPI with full documentation and example datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:22131337
DOI:10.1016/j.ascom.2025.101051