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Astronomy: General Resources
Databases:
The Smithsonian/NASA Astrophysics Data System
From the site description: "The Astrophysics Data System (ADS) is a NASA-funded project which maintains three bibliographic databases containing more than 4.8 million records: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, and ArXiv e-prints. The main body of data in the ADS consists of bibliographic records, which are searchable through our Abstract Service query forms, and full-text scans of much of the astronomical literature which can be browsed though our Browse interface. Integrated in its databases, the ADS provides access and pointers to a wealth of external resources, including electronic articles, data catalogs and archives." Additionally, papers are downloadable in various formats with full reference list and linked to citing articles. Any objects mentioned in articles are linked to relevant entries in datasets. Researchers can find similar articles and read what others have also read in addition to the paper in question.
Web of science
Provider: ISI
Provides access to the Social Sciences Citation Index, Science Citation Index, and Arts and Humanities Citation Index. Search for scholarly articles in any discipline, or for articles that cite a known author or work. Coverage varies.
Data Centers:
Centre de Données Astronomiques de Strasbourg (CDS)
This data center supports 3 main services for galactic objects: SIMBAD, VizierR and Aladin.
The SIMBAD astronomical database provides basic data, cross identifications and bibliography for 3 million astronomical objects outside the solar system. The VizieR service allows a single query for over 5,000 published catalogs, tables and observation logs. Aladin is an application that allows for visualization of the sky and to superimpose images from the catalogs. A complete tutorial for each service is available.
The SIMBAD astronomical database provides basic data, cross identifications and bibliography for 3 million astronomical objects outside the solar system. The VizieR service allows a single query for over 5,000 published catalogs, tables and observation logs. Aladin is an application that allows for visualization of the sky and to superimpose images from the catalogs. A complete tutorial for each service is available.
NASA Extragalactic Database
From the site description: "Welcome to the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED). It is built around a master list of extragalactic objects for which cross-identifications of names have been established, accurate positions and redshifts entered to the extent possible, and some basic data collected. Bibliographic references relevant to individual objects have been compiled, and abstracts of extragalactic interest are kept on line. Detailed and referenced photometry, position, and redshift data, have been taken from large compilations and from the literature. NED also includes images from 2MASS, from the literature, and from the Digitized Sky Survey. NED's data and references are being continually updated, with revised versions being put on-line every 2-3 months."
NASA's Planetary Data System (PDS) at JPL
From the site description: "The Planetary Data System (PDS) is an archive of data products from NASA planetary missions, which is sponsored by the NASA Office of Space Science... All PDS-produced products are peer-reviewed, well-documented, and easily accessible via a system of online catalogs that are organized by planetary disciplines."
Preprint Archives:
e-Print Archive in Astrophysics
ArXiv is an e-print service in the fields of physics - including Astrophysics -, mathematics, non-linear science, computer science, and quantitative biology. The most appropriate section of the arXiv is "Astrophysics" (astro-ph). Thousands of astrophysics documents are available.It provided abstracts, and full-text papers in Postscript, PDF and other formats in advance of acceptance by refereed journals. The quality of papers are high, about 70% of papers are eventually published in journals and another 20% in conference proceedings. E-prints are most useful for keeping abreast of current literature.
Professional Organizations:
American Astronomical Society
Founded in 1899, AAS is the largest professional organization of astronomers and astrophysicists with over 6,400 members mainly from North America but drawn from 31 countries. Members include graduate students, recent PhD graduates and practicing astronomers.
Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)
Founded in 1889 by a group of Northern California professional and amateur astronomers after joining together to view a rare total solar eclipse, has become the largest general astronomy society in the world, with members from over 70 nations drawn from the astronomy, educational, and amateur communities. The ASP has also developed into the recognized leader in the field of astronomy education and sponsors Project ASTRO, an innovative program to pair amateur and professional astronomers with teachers and classes.
International Astronomical Union
Founded in 1919, IAU promotes the science of astronomy through international cooperation. Currently has over 9,000 members from 66 countries. It is internationally recognized as the authority responsible for naming stars, planets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies and phenomena in the scientific community and is the official body of astronomy. Some of the more well-known activities include maintaining astronomical naming conventions for planetary nomenclature for planetary bodies.
Web Directories:
Astroweb
This is one of the best collections of classified resources on astronomy.
Astronomical Resources on the Internet
Useful webliography by Joe Kraus published in the Spring 2002 issue of Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship.