Retrieval Techniques and Graphics Displays Using a Computerized Stellar Data Base

Abstract

A computerized astronomical data retrieval system, based on the Goddard Cross Index of star catalogs and operable from a remote terminal, has been developed. It permits retrieval of stellar data as a function of the object’s identification numbers, descriptive parameters (magnitude and/or spectral type), or position in the sky. In addition, software has been developed to retrieve the full data entry from any of the eleven catalogs currently included in the Goddard Cross Index, such as the Yale Bright Star Catalog (YBS), the Boss General Catalog (GC), and others — all in one computer run.

Four catalogs (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Star Catalog (SAO), The Revised New General Catalogue of Non-stellar Astronomical Objects (RNGC), Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies, and Two-Micron Sky Survey) have been sorted by Palomar Sky Survey plate area and precessed to the epoch of the specific plate. For any set of coordinates covered by the Palomar Survey and the Whiteoak Extension, the computer can provide all the plate numbers on which the position can be found. These plate areas can be immediately accessed by computer; listings or plots to any desired scale of any or all of the objects from the four catalogs can be provided.