Catalog of Galactic OB Stars: Over 16,000 Objects with Photometry and Spectral Types

Over 16,000 known or suspected OB stars are compiled in this all-sky catalog, extending the original Case-Hamburg surveys. The catalog contains UBV photometry, MK spectral type classifications, and radial velocities for these objects. This database was created by NASA HEASARC, with its origins in 1991 and a final table creation in September 2017.

Use Cases

• Classifying stellar populations based on MK spectral type classifications.
• Analyzing stellar properties and evolution using compiled UBV photometry.
• Studying galactic structure and kinematics using radial velocity data.
• Cross-referencing and validating OB star observations from multiple historical surveys.

Strengths

• Large scale with over 16,000 cataloged objects.
• Combines data from multiple historical surveys and literature compilations.
• Includes multiple data types: photometry, spectral classifications, and radial velocities.

Limitations

• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The catalog includes objects beyond strict OB definitions, such as A-G supergiants and white dwarfs.

Provenance

Source

NASA HEASARC, based on CDS Catalog V/125.

Collection Method

Compilation and extension of the Case-Hamburg Galactic Plane Luminous Stars surveys and additional objects from the literature.

Time Range

Project originated in 1991, with major publications through 1998. Catalog table created in September 2017.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:06:06.872255; freshness should be verified.

Geography

All-sky, covering the Northern and Southern Milky Way.