Simbad is the reference database for identification and bibliography of
astronomical objects. It contains identifications, `basic data', bibliography,
and selected observational measurements for several million astronomical
objects. Simbad is developed and maintained by CDS, Strasbourg. Building the
database contents is achieved with the help of several contributing institutes.
Scanning the bibliography is the result of the collaboration of CDS with
bibliographers in Observatoire de Paris (DASGAL), Institut d'Astrophysique de
Paris, and Observatoire de Bordeaux. When selecting catalogues and tables for
inclusion, priority is given to optimal multi-wavelength coverage of the
database, and to support of research developments linked to large projects. In
parallel, the systematic scanning of the bibliography reflects the diversity
and general trends of astronomical research.
A WWW interface to Simbad is available at: http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/SimbadComment: 14 pages, 5 Postscript figures; to be published in A&A