Overview of astronomy
Use this guide to perform background research to refine a research topic, confirm terminology, and get a general understanding before finding books and articles to support a research project.
Getting started with academic research | Overview of astronomy | Recommended databases
SIMBAD Astronomical Database
SIMBAD Astronomical Database
SIMBAD indexes bibliographic references and data on astronomical topics: stars, galaxies, planetary nebulae, clusters, and novae and supernovae. Each object indexes has description data, cross identifications, observational data, plus a general bibliography of references to the object.
Physical Sciences & Mathematics encyclopedias from Oxford Reference Online
Full recordPhysical Science and Mathematics encyclopedias from Oxford Reference Online
Search or browse across nine subject encyclopedias and dictionaries with over 22,800 entries. References are linked via Get VText.
International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology from Knovel
International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology
This classic and well-known reference was originally published from 1926-1930 for the National Research Council in 7 volumes. It contains an enormous amount of critical data on inorganic and organic compounds, and pure substances. Featuring physical, thermodynamic, mechanical, and other key properties, it is a major reference source used by those involved in chemistry, physics, and engineering. Chapters and tables are presented at individual PDFs.
Smithsonian Physical Tables (9th Revised Edition) from Knovel
Smithsonian Physical Tables (9th Revised Edition) from Knovel
This reference source include 901 tables of data relevant to engineering and physics. Each chapters is a separate PDF.
- Larry A Thompson
- College Librarian for Engineering
- (540) 231-8693
- larryt@vt.edu
-
5010 Newman Library
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Legend
Resource is restricted to current Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff. Use Off Campus Sign In if not on the campus network.
Resource is licensed for Virginia Tech alumni access. Use Alumni Library Portal Sign In to access. Freely accessible database, available to anyone without restriction Sponsored by VIVA, the Virtual Library of Virginia.
Mobile interface available, see description for link.
Screencast tutorial available, icon linked to list. Contents of this database are in Summon.
Resource provides Get VText links to access full text.
Resource provides open access publishing opportunities and open access publications.
Resource provides self archiving opportunities and open access documents.
