SIMBAD is an acronym that stands for Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliography for Astronomical Data. It refers to an online database that provides extensive information on celestial objects and their astronomical data. Developed and maintained by the Centre de Données astronomiques de Strasbourg (CDS), SIMBAD serves as a powerful resource for astronomers, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.
The SIMBAD database encompasses a wide range of astronomical objects, including stars, galaxies, nebulae, and various other celestial bodies. It offers comprehensive data on these objects, including coordinates, spectral information, photometric data, proper motions, distance estimates, and radial velocities, among other parameters. This wealth of information allows users to access important data regarding the characteristics, classifications, and properties of celestial objects.
In addition to providing observational data, SIMBAD also serves as a bibliographic repository. It includes extensive references and citations for scientific literature related to the objects in its database. Consequently, SIMBAD functions as a valuable tool for researchers, offering a broad range of published articles, papers, and measurements concerning the astronomical objects of interest.
SIMBAD's user-friendly interface facilitates easy navigation and search capabilities, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of astronomical expertise. Users can input object names, identifiers, or coordinates to retrieve detailed information and access a wealth of related literature. Thanks to its vastness and reliability, SIMBAD has become an indispensable resource in the field of astronomy, aiding research, knowledge dissemination, and discovery.
