The Extragalactic Distance Database

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Extragalactic Distance Database, a comprehensive online resource that consolidates galaxy distance measurements, compares different methods, and incorporates new observational data from multiple telescopes to enhance consistency and accessibility.

Contribution

It presents a web-based database integrating literature data, ongoing observational results, and comparison tools to improve galaxy distance measurements.

Findings

Enhanced homogeneity of distance measurements.

Integration of new observational data from multiple telescopes.

Comparison of different distance estimation techniques.

Abstract

A database can be accessed on the web at http://edd.ifa.hawaii.edu that was developed to promote access to information related to galaxy distances. The database has three functional components. First, tables from many literature sources have been gathered and enhanced with links through a distinct galaxy naming convention. Second, comparisons of results both at the levels of parameters and of techniques have begun and are continuing, leading to increasing homogeneity and consistency of distance measurements. Third, new material are presented arising from ongoing observational programs at the University of Hawaii 2.2m telescope, radio telescopes at Green Bank, Arecibo, and Parkes and with Hubble Space Telescope. This new observational material is made available in tandem with related material drawn from archives and passed through common analysis pipelines.