GUIDE TO THE DATA BASE NSDC (Natural Satellites Data Center)

The data base NSDC contains several services providing observational data
or services interesting for observational purpose:

1- a server providing raw data as published in journals
2- an interactive search for standard data (NSDB) 
3- a bibliographic search of papers related to Natural Satellites
4- ephemerides for observers
5- data and constants concerning the Natural Satellites
6- several softwares of interest for observers.

On September 1, 1997, all of these services started and are
now fully operating.

1- The server of raw data 

This server may be reached either through 
http://www.imcce.fr/hosted_sites/saimirror/obsindhf.htm
or through the ftp server ftp.imcce.fr/pub/databases/nsdc

Getting data from the server:
This server is designed to include most of the published data.
These data are put on the server in the raw form as published. The
publication is necessary to comment the observations. These data are
included in the interactive Data Base only if they are converted in 
standard coordinates.

Putting new data on the server:
The best way to feed the data base is to the the file of data (in ascii
format) by e-mail to nsdc@imcce.fr. If the volume of data is too large,
the transfert may be made through ftp by putting the data on
ftp.imcce.fr/pub/incoming and sending at the same time an e-mail
announcing the transfert. Note that data must be accompanied by explanation
such as a paper published recently or a specific note.


2- Interactive search for standard data (NSDB)

The Natural Satellites Data Base includes standard data which have been 
published and verified. These data may be used directly for the fit of 
theories and the making of ephemerides. The search software allows to find
the individual observations and to know exactly what observations are
included in the Data Base. For example, it is easy to know if a
given phenomena has been observed or if some satellite 
has been observed during a specific period of time. The accuracy
of the observations is often available. The files of data corresponding
to the standard data included in the Data Base are available on the
ftp anonymous server.

3- Bibliographic search

This software provides papers connected to planetary satellites:
papers with asmetric data as well as papers on the analysis of the data
and on theoretical works on the dynamics of the satellites. Specific
key words well adapted to the natural planetary satellites
are available for a best search.

4- Interactive Ephemerides for observers

Interactive softwares will provide data for the observers:
. positions of the satellites
. local conditions of visibility for observers
. graphic configuration of the satellites systems
. predictions of phenomena
. reduction of mutual event data

5- Data and constants concerning the Natural Planetary Satellites

These data include:
. orbital elements
. physical parameters
. parameters related to the rotation of the bodies

6- Softwares of interest for observers

Softwares to be downloaded for the preparation of the observations or 
for the reduction of the data might be provided and will be available 
on ftp at ftp.imcce.fr/pub/ephem/satel