The SIMBAD astronomical database - The CDS reference database for astronomical objects

SIMBAD is the reference database for identification and bibliography of ast ronomical objects. It contains identifications, "basic data", bibliography, and selected observational measurements for several million astronomical o bjects. SIMBAD is developed and maintained by CDS, Strasbourg. Building the databas e contents is achieved with the help of several contributing institutes. Sc anning the bibliography is the result of the collaboration of CDS with bibl iographers in Observatoire de Paris (DASGAL), Institut d'Astrophysique de P aris, and Observatoire de Bordeaux. When selecting catalogues and tables for inclusion, priority is given to op timal multi-wavelength coverage of the database, and to support of research developments linked to large projects. In parallel, the systematic scannin g of the bibliography reflects the diversity and general trends; of astrono mical research. A WWW interface to SIMBAD is available at: http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/Simba d.