SQL is a Structured Query Language. It is used to search through large databases, such as the SDSS, in a quick and efficent way. As more and more of these large databases come online it will be essential for astronomers to learn how to deal with them. In the advanced activities you are asked to not only proess dat but to also gather it from the data base yourself.While this may seem daunting, it is in fact quite simple after a little bit of practice.

First thing you should do is create a CAS jobs account on the SDSS server.

Second you should work through the excellent tutorial that they have set up. This tutorial should provide you with all the information you need to complete the activities.