AI Assistant

SNID SAGE includes an optional AI-powered assistant to help interpret your classification results.

Setup

1. Get an OpenRouter API Key

  1. Visit OpenRouter.ai and create an account
  2. Go to API Keys and create a new key (starts with sk-or-...)

2. Configure in SNID SAGE

  1. Load and analyze a spectrum first
  2. Click the AI Assistant button (deep blue - enabled after analysis)
  3. Go to Settings tab → enter your API key → Test Connection

Features

Feature Description
Quick Summary Short explanation of classification
Detailed Analysis Structured scientific interpretation
Scientific Context Literature-style discussion
Publication Text Methods/results text blocks
Interactive Chat Ask follow-up questions

Usage

  1. Complete your SNID analysis
  2. Click AI Assistant button
  3. Choose analysis type and model
  4. Review output; copy or export
Model Best For
GPT-3.5 Turbo Fast, everyday analysis
GPT-4 Turbo Complex cases, best quality
Claude 3 Opus Scientific writing
Gemini Pro Multilingual support

Select models in Settings → Model Selection → Fetch All Models.

Tips for Astronomers

  • Treat AI output as a draft; verify line IDs and claims
  • Include uncertainties and caveats; ask follow-up questions
  • Use lower temperature for deterministic summaries

What the AI Sees

The AI receives your SNID results (never your raw spectrum): - Classification (type, subtype, confidence) - Redshift and age estimates - Template matches and scores - User metadata (observer, telescope, date)

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
API key not working Check format (sk-or-...), test in Settings
Model not available Try a different model
Analysis fails Ensure SNID analysis completed first
401 Unauthorized Verify API key in OpenRouter dashboard
429 Too Many Requests Wait or check billing

Privacy

  • Spectrum data: Never sent to AI
  • API keys: Stored locally only
  • Results: Only classification summaries sent
  • Review provider terms for data retention