The DataBase for Stars in Open Clusters - BDA

The database has been prepared by J.-C. Mermilliod at the Institute of Astronomy of the University of Lausanne (Switzerland).

This document describes the content and facilities offered by the DataBase for Stars in Open Clusters .

The user's guide is available in hypertext form. The first part describes the structure of the database and query modes, the second part presents the various modes to use the database, with many examples. The third part explains advanced use and applications. The fourth part describes the methods for development and maintenance. The tables added in the Appendix summarize the commands, options, datatypes and file names.

A postcript version of the user's guide is also accessible. The first part, second part, third part, fourth part, and the appendix are readable separately.

The database contains most published observational data for galactic open clusters: photometry, spectroscopy, astrometry and bibliography.

It is run in a command mode, a menu mode or a prompt mode. A graphical user interface (GUI) has also been developed.

Some facilities to query the database are offered through a Mosaic form.