Strasbourg astronomical Data Centre (CDS) is dedicated to the collection and worldwide distribution of astronomical data and related information.
The CDS hosts the SIMBAD astronomical database, the reference database for the identification of astronomical objects; VizieR, the catalogue service for the CDS reference collection of astronomical catalogues and tables published in academic journals; and the Aladin interactive software sky atlas for access, visualization and analysis of astronomical images, surveys, catalogues, databases and related data.
The CDS mission is to:
- collect useful information concerning astronomical objects;
- upgrade these data by critical evaluations and comparisons;
- distribute the results to the astronomical community;
- conduct research using these data.