Here we outline two ways to find more information about an object. We assume you have the RA and Dec of the object you would like to study in more detail.

SDSS Science Archive Server

Under construction.

Navigate

Another way to find objects on your plate is using Navigate – this is a tool extensively used in the “Scavenger Hunt” activity. In the Navigate site you can use your mouse to scroll through the universe or input the RA and Dec of a specific object to be taken directly to it. Once you select an object a menu will appear on the right side of your screen with more information about this specific object including its type, redshift (z), image and spectrum.

Above is a screenshot of the Navigate tool. The menu on the left is used to search for objects. This can be done by inputting coordinates in the RA and Dec boxes or by searching specific names in the Name box.

The menu on the right shows information about the selected object such as its coordinates, the type of object and its magnitudes in different bands. Magnitudes indicate the apparent brightness of a star. Higher numerical values of magnitudes represent fainter objects.

Also on the right you can click on Explore to see more information about the selected object such as an image or its spectrum.

To move manually through the universe use your mouse to drag or zoom in to an area.