Amazon.com description: Product Description: This compendium summarizes the astronomical data for all stars brighter than 8.0. For every object listed, it includes designations from the HD (Henry Draper) and SAO (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory) star catalogs; the star name and constellation; the common name; the position for the equinox and epoch 2000.0; the star's proper motion; its visual magnitude and color index; the absolute magnitude; the spectral type; the radial velocity; the inferred distance; and, where appropriate, additional information on multiplicity, variablity and cluster membership. There is an index of Flamsteed and Bayer designations as well. The information given in this catalog is derived from the SIMBAD (Set of Identifications, Measurements, and Bibliographical References of Astronomical Data) database held at the Strasbourg Observatory. Together with the first edition of Volume 2 (which covers double stars, variable stars, galaxies, etc.) this is the definitive reference set used in professional astronomy. Serious observers of stars and star systems will appreciate the material found in this established reference work.