There are currently 2 interfaces available from MAST
that allow users to find objects by spectral class
(i.e., the full spectral classification string) .
The encoding method used to create these tables and perform
the searches is described in this
Note that blanks are removed from the spectral classification string stored in
the tables described below, and from the users input,
to simplify queries. Additional tips on how to use
these search forms can be found
Spectral Classes of Like Stars -
This table was created by cross-matching entries from the MAST "Table
of Representative Spectra" with targets
listed in the Skiff Spectral catalog, the Sky2000 catalog, and/or provided by Simbad.
IUE, STIS, FUSE, EUVE, HUT, GHRS, FOS, WUPPE, BEFS, and TUES
Most matches were based on target names and coordinates,
usually with a 5" tolerance, but a few matches may be wrong.
The table lists
roughly 28,000 observations including novae and supernovae
of which more than 22,000 have assigned spectral types.
Links to ADS papers and Previews are included in the search results.
Skiff Spectral Catalog Search -
Allows users to search the Skiff Spectral
catalog (updated 23-Jan-2013), which is also available online from
The listed bibcodes are
linked to the ADS, target names are links to the cross correlation search form,
and the encoded values described in
the IVOA note are included. The table currently contains
roughly 605,000 entries and is regularly updated. Note the Skiff catalog
does not include novae or supernovae.
The Spectral Classification Tables,
taken from the IVOA note above, show how to perform a numerical encoding for
common spectral classes.
The encoding system was developed in cooperation with Richard Gray
(Appalachian State University) and Chris Corbally (Vatican Observatory)
whose book titled Stellar Spectral Classification is now available from Princeton