SIMBAD

SIMBAD is an astronomical database that provides identifiers, measurements, and bibliographic references for celestial objects outside the Solar System.

Astronomical object: A naturally occurring physical entity or structure studied by astronomy. SIMBAD organizes records around individually identified celestial objects.
Astronomical nomenclature: The conventions used to name and designate celestial objects. SIMBAD presents standardized designations alongside object records.
Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg: A French astronomical data center that develops and operates major information services for astronomy. CDS maintains SIMBAD as part of its astronomical information services.
Astronomical object identifier: A unique or widely recognized label used to distinguish an astronomical object in data systems. Identifiers let SIMBAD connect an object's aliases, properties, and references.
International Virtual Observatory Alliance: An organization that coordinates standards and interoperability for astronomical data services. Virtual-observatory standards help services exchange astronomical data.
Astronomical catalog: A structured list of astronomical objects with associated observations or properties. SIMBAD consolidates object data drawn from many catalogs.
Astronomical designation: A formal identifier assigned to an astronomical object, often encoding its catalog or coordinates. A single SIMBAD object can have many catalog designations.
Strasbourg astronomical data center: An English-language name sometimes used for the Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg. The institution's French name is the standard identity behind SIMBAD's acronym.
Right ascension: The angular coordinate measuring position eastward along the celestial equator. Right ascension is one coordinate used to locate cataloged objects.
Virtual Observatory: A framework of interoperable online services for discovering and analyzing astronomical data. SIMBAD functions within the broader ecosystem of online astronomy resources.

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