To begin finding out more, click File > Load Catalog > Simbad > Submit, and the image will be overlaid with information about the individual objects you're viewing. Images may be copied to the clipboard (Ctrl+C) or saved (File > Save.) as usual. You start by looking at a 3D sphere click, hold and drag to move the sphere in 3D space when you see an interesting area, move it to the centre of the screen and spin the mouse wheel to zoom in. Viewing is much like any other 3D navigator you've ever used.

If you're a newbie, click the DSS or SDSS buttons beneath the Location box to load a particular survey- a complete set of astronomical imagery. If you know what you're doing, enter an object or coordinates in the Location box to start viewing. Aladin is a single executable, and you can just download it and run. It's also interesting to anyone who likes to explore space imagery.Īs long as you have Java, there's no setup required.

The program is aimed very much at the astronomy enthusiast, but don't let that put you off. Aladin is a Java-based tool which allows exploration of digital space images or full sky surveys, can superimpose entries from astronomical catalogues or databases, and access related data from Simbad, VizieR and other public archives.

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