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Science Explorer (SciX) is a groundbreaking digital library portal managed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) under a cooperative agreement with NASA. SciX builds upon the successful Astrophysics Data System (ADS), which has served astronomers and astrophysicists as a research cornerstone for over 25 years.

The SciX portal links researchers to scientific literature, data, and software in the fields of astronomy, Earth science, heliophysics, physics, and planetary science. The comprehensive library hosts over 20 million records, including refereed publications and preprints from sources like arXiv and EarthArXiv.

Users can easily search and access abstracts and full-text publications through SciX’s user-friendly interface. The platform tracks citations and usage of records, enhancing discovery and evaluation capabilities. Additionally, SciX provides links to external resources such as electronic articles, data catalogs, and datasets from other archives.

Aligned with NASA’s open science goals, SciX adheres to FAIR principles, ensuring the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of scientific knowledge. At its essence, SciX embodies the spirit of scientific interconnectedness, fostering collaboration and nurturing interdisciplinary studies essential to NASA’s integrated science program.

Get Started with SciX

We invite new users to explore the SciX help pages and quick start guide.

GET INVOLVED

The SciX Ambassador Program

SciX ambassadors are advocates who work alongside SciX staff to promote and engage the SciX community. They are all researchers in the field of astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science, heliophysics, or planetary science, and serve two-year terms where they present about SciX at conferences, interact with the community, and showcase their own work. 

Learn More About the SciX Ambassador Program

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Image snippets showing Earth, the Carina nebula, Jupiter, the surface of the Sun, and a cell.

Explore the SciX Astrophysics Data System Blog

Get SciX updates and learn how to make the most of its tools and features by reading the SciX Blog.

Read More on the SciX Blog Read More on the SciX Blog