Data in Astronomy

This unique handbook explains how astronomical data of all kinds should be obtained, compiled, and published if it is to be used to the best advantage by professional astronomers worldwide. Introductory chapters explain how observations are obtained, discuss observatories, and deal with data generally. The central part of the book explains how data are archived and how they should be presented for later use. One chapter raised the important issue of the designation, or naming, of astronomical objects, since this is a topic where confusion is manifest. A further chapter is devoted to astronomical catalogs and the information available from them, and this introduces data bases, data networks, and data centers. The final chapters address general questions of scientific information, including publication, the use of published data, and the role of international organizations handling data.