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Open Cluster Data Base
Version 2.0
(User's Guide)

J.-C. Mermilliod
Institut d'Astronomie de l'Université de Lausanne
CH - 1290 Chavannes-des-Bois / Switzerland
E-mail: mermio@scsun.unige.ch

Thu Sep 1 17:27:55 MET DST 1994

Abstract:

The database for stars in galactic open clusters (BDA) has been developed since 1987 at the Institute for Astronomy (University of Lausanne). The extensive collection of observational data covers most significant domains and concerns about 100000 stars in some 500 NGC, IC and anonymous clusters. This includes measurements in most photometric systems in which cluster stars have been observed, spectroscopic observations, astrometric data, various kinds of useful information and extensive bibliography. Maps for about 180 clusters have been scanned and included in the database. The greatest effort has been spent in solving the identification problems raised by the definition of so many different numbering systems.

The database not only aims at storing data but also at offering a versatile working environment covering many aspects of the study of open clusters. It provides tools to compare the data and plot photometric diagrams. It is most suitable for use on a workstation. Independently of the application software proposed, the main utility of the database lies in the extensive data collection brought into uniform numbering systems. The BDA presents a clear report of the present status of observations.

The following document presents the general philosophy of the data organisation and retrieval. It explains with many examples how to use the database.

mermio@
Thu Sep 1 17:27:31 MET DST 1994