Aladin is a java based interactive software sky atlas allowing the user to visualize digitized astronomical images, superimpose entries from astronomical catalogues or databases, and interactively access related data and information from the Simbad database, the VizieR service and other archives for all known sources in the field.

Requires a Java runtime environment. I highly recommend Wizard Stan's Java Runtime pnd. Tested against Oracle's 7u10 jdk

In simple terms, Aladin is the armchair astronomers delight! Explore the night sky, overlaying literally millions of available images ("do" astronomy any time of the day or night - without getting cold) - or conduct "more useful" research with this powerful tool. Aladin is a massively capable application - and I really cannot do it justice in these few words. For more information, please visit the website!

Quick start: type A Messier object reference, coloquial name, other database reference or position in the Location field (the images shown below are for M33 and Seven Sisters), hit return on your keyboard and off you go. Astronomy without getting cold!

***NOTE - A NETWORK CONNECTION IS REQUIRED UNLESS YOU HAVE APPROPRIATE DATABASES AVAILABLE ON YOUR OPENPANDORA.***