Aladin Lite is an online sky atlas for visualizing regions of the sky, FITS images, and overlaid astronomical tables.
Aladin
Users can explore the sky with Aladin Desktop or its interactive Aladin Lite atlas.
About Aladin
Aladin is an interactive sky atlas for visualizing digitized astronomical images and full surveys, overlaying entries from astronomical catalogues or databases, and accessing related data from the Simbad database, the VizieR service and other archives for objects in the field.
It is available as Aladin Desktop, a Java application that requires installation and provides direct access to astronomical servers and local user data, and Aladin Lite, a browser-based version for simple visualization of a sky region. Data uses HiPS technology with zoom and pan, including about 1100+ surveys, and there is an ipyaladin widget for Python notebooks and an experimental viewer for planetary surface datasets.
Key features
- Visualize digitized astronomical images and full surveys
- Overlay catalogue and database entries on sky images
- Retrieve related data from Simbad, VizieR and other archives
- Zoom and pan across 1100+ HiPS surveys
- Embed Aladin Lite in web pages via JavaScript API
- Use ipyaladin widget in Python notebooks
Best for: Researchers, students and developers who need to view sky surveys and cross-reference catalogue and archive data.
Good for
- Provides about 1100+ HiPS surveys totaling 900TB of pixels from collaborative servers
- Connects to Simbad, VizieR and many astronomical servers plus local user data
- Available as desktop app, browser tool and Python notebook widget
Watch out for
- Aladin Desktop requires Java technology and installation on the user machine
- Aladin Lite is geared towards simple visualization of a sky region
- Aladin Lite needs a modern browser with WebGL support
Aladin at a glance
- Website
- aladin.cds.unistra.fr
- Category
- Education & Learning › Space & Astronomy
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Aladin FAQ
What is the difference between Aladin Desktop and Aladin Lite?
Aladin Desktop is a Java application requiring installation on the user machine, while Aladin Lite is a lightweight browser application for simple visualization of a sky region.
Can Aladin be used in Python notebooks?
Yes, through ipyaladin, a widget version of Aladin Lite for Python notebooks.
Can Aladin Lite be added to other websites?
Yes, Aladin Lite can be embedded on any web page and controlled through a JavaScript API.
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