MySQL databases of Messier and NGC catalogues

[troypiggo]

Anyone have these catalogues as MySQL databases and/or know where I can get a copy?

[Jeff]

http://haimannonline.com/Messier/

I just found it and downloaded the files. It looks like there's one file to create the table structure but then each of the other 3 drop those tables and re-write them. Not sure why unless they're meant to be in independent databases.

If you're looking for this in this particular format you probably know what you're doing with MySQL, but let me know and I'll combine them if you want.

[troypiggo]

Thanks mate. Yeah, I think know what I'm doing :) I'll look into that one.

I'm trying to create a database that contains all Messier objects with their "M42" number, their common names like "Orion Nebula", and a similar one for NGC objects with a cross-reference between them for objects in both catalogues. I'm rewriting my homepage and gallery to use MySQL, and thought it'd be cool to be able to reference this astro database as I shoot objects.

[Jeff]

I got a little curious and looked into these files some more. I combined them into one database table and added a field for object category. Looks like a lot of the stuff can be dropped.

I'll attach a zip file with the sql in it.

[Jeff]

And good idea on the cross referencing of object data with it's image.

[troypiggo]

Thanks Jeff. I'll (try to remember to) keep you posted. :)