Terms and Conditions

CosmoSearch - Natural Language Astronomy Data Interface

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using CosmoSearch ("the Application"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please discontinue use of the Application immediately.

2. Description of Service

CosmoSearch is a natural language interface that allows astronomers and researchers to query astronomical data from various archives and databases. The Application translates natural language queries into appropriate database queries and presents results in an accessible format.

Data Sources Include:

• NASA Exoplanet Archive - Exoplanet and stellar data
• MAST (Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes) - Multi-mission astronomical data
• Additional astronomical databases as integrated over time

3. Data Accuracy and Limitations

3.1 AI-Generated Interpretations

The Application uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to interpret user queries. These systems:

• May misinterpret the intent of your query
• May retrieve incorrect or incomplete datasets
• May make errors in data filtering, sorting, or presentation
• May not capture the full complexity of your research question

3.2 Data Source Limitations

All data provided through this Application originates from third-party astronomical archives. We do not:

• Guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any data
• Validate or verify the scientific accuracy of the underlying datasets
• Control the availability or uptime of external data sources
• Assume responsibility for errors in the original data sources

3.3 User Responsibility for Verification

Users are solely responsible for:

• Verifying all results independently through original data sources
• Cross-referencing findings with peer-reviewed literature
• Ensuring data quality meets their research standards
• Understanding the limitations and uncertainties of the underlying datasets

4. Proper Use Guidelines

4.1 Intended Use

This Application is intended for:

• Preliminary data exploration and discovery
• Educational purposes in astronomy and astrophysics
• Rapid prototyping of research queries
• Initial screening of available datasets

4.2 Not Suitable For

This Application should not be used as the sole source for:

• Peer-reviewed research publications without independent verification
• Critical mission planning or spacecraft operations
• High-stakes scientific decisions
• Any application where data accuracy is mission-critical

5. Third-Party Data Sources

This Application accesses data from various third-party sources including NASA, STScI, and other astronomical institutions. Users acknowledge that:

• Each data source has its own terms of use and citation requirements
• Data availability depends on the uptime and policies of these third-party services
• We are not responsible for changes to third-party data access policies
• Users should consult original data source documentation for authoritative information

6. Privacy and Data Handling

We respect your privacy and handle data according to these principles:

• Query logs may be stored for service improvement purposes
• No personal astronomical research data is permanently stored
• Usage analytics may be collected to improve the natural language processing
• We do not sell or share user query data with third parties

7. Intellectual Property

Users acknowledge that:

• The Application interface and natural language processing algorithms are proprietary
• Underlying astronomical data remains the property of the originating institutions
• Users retain rights to their original research and analysis
• Proper attribution should be given to data sources in any publication

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APPLICATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM:

• Warranties of accuracy, completeness, or reliability of data
• Warranties that the service will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Warranties of fitness for any particular research purpose
• Any implied warranties of merchantability

9. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall we be liable for any damages arising from:

• Incorrect or incomplete data retrieval
• Misinterpretation of natural language queries
• Service interruptions or data source unavailability
• Research delays or invalidated results
• Any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

10. Updates and Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Update these terms at any time with notice to users
• Modify the Application's functionality and data sources
• Temporarily or permanently discontinue the service
• Implement usage limits or access restrictions

11. Scientific Ethics and Citation

Users agree to:

• Follow proper scientific methodology and peer review processes
• Cite original data sources appropriately in any publications
• Not misrepresent the capabilities or accuracy of this Application
• Acknowledge the use of AI-assisted data retrieval where appropriate

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of New Delhi, India and any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of New Delhi, India.