Lynds Catalog: Bright Nebulae with Coordinates and Brightness Index

The Lynds' Catalog of Bright Nebulae lists coordinates, dimensions, area, color, and a brightness index on a scale from 1 to 6 for each object. It originates from the NASA/ADC CD-ROM 'Selected Astronomical Catalogs Vol. 1' dated 09-July-1992, with corrections added by the CDS and a revision by NASA HEASARC in February 2001. The catalog includes cross-references to other major catalogs like NGC, IC, and Sharpless.

Use Cases

• Classifying nebulae based on brightness index and color comparisons between blue and red plates.
• Mapping the spatial distribution of bright nebulae using listed coordinates and dimensions.
• Cross-referencing objects with other major catalogs like NGC, IC, and Sharpless for integrated studies.

Strengths

• Includes a specific brightness index on a scale from 1 to 6 for each object.
• Provides cross-references to multiple established catalogs (NGC, IC, Sharpless, Cederblad).
• Has undergone revisions by authoritative sources like CDS and NASA HEASARC.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data originates from a 1992 source, though revised in 2001; observational methods may be dated.

Provenance

Source

NASA/ADC CD-ROM 'Selected Astronomical Catalogs Vol. 1', with revisions by CDS and NASA HEASARC.

Collection Method

Compiled from photographic plates, likely the blue and red Palomar plates.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 16:56:23.868523; freshness should be verified.