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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 USER'S MANUAL FOR ASTROSOFT COMPUTERIZED EPHEMERIS (ACE) Version 1.00 A General-Purpose Astronomy Software Package Supporting a Variety of Astronomy-Related Applications For the IBM Personal Computer and True Compatibles Copyright 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 AstroSoft, Inc. Post Office Box 4451, Hayward, CA 94540-4451 All Rights Reserved. Page 1 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- INTRODUCTION THE CONFIGURATIONS SUPPORTED GETTING HARDCOPY THE ACE DISKETTES THE ACE INSTALLATION PROGRAM (INSTALL) THE THREE PARTS OF ACE PART I: ASTRONOMICAL EPHEMERIS (ACECALC) General Principles Options The Sun The Moon The Planets Eclipses Astrophotography Exposures Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day Precession of Coordinates Phases of the Moon Equinoxes and Solstices Galilean Satellites of Jupiter Perpetual Calendar Polaris DOS Shell Exit PART II: SOLAR SYSTEM DATA (ACESOLAR) General Principles Options Orbital/Physical (Sun/Planets) Orbital/Physical (Satellites) Descriptive Data (Sun/Planets) Observational Data (Sun/Planets) Music Off/On Exit PART III: SKY CATALOG (ACECAT) General Principles Search Options Catalog Number Name Starting R.A./Ending R.A. Starting Declination/Ending Declination Object Type Display Commentary Hardcopy File Options Full Catalog Messier Catalog Named Objects Bright Stars Page 2 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 Double Stars DOS Shell Exit APPENDIX A: Input Error Messages Part I: Astronomical Ephemeris Part III: Sky Catalog APPENDIX B: Known Problems and Limitations APPENDIX C: Technical Information on Part I The Sun The Moon The Planets Eclipses Astrophotography Exposures Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day Precession of Coordinates Phases of the Moon Equinoxes and Solstices Galilean Satellites of Jupiter Perpetual Calendar Polaris APPENDIX D: Musical Selections Used in Part II APPENDIX E: Information Displayed in Part III Atlas Catalog, Messier Catalog, Named Objects Bright Stars Double Stars APPENDIX F: Acknowledgments APPENDIX G: The User-Supported Software Concept APPENDIX H: Limited License APPENDIX I: How to Register Your Copy for Enhancements and Support Page 3 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 INTRODUCTION ------------ Welcome to the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris, or ACE for short. ACE is a general-purpose astronomy software package consisting of three separate parts, each supporting a variety of astronomy-related applications for the IBM Personal Computer and true compatibles. Part I of ACE (Astronomical Ephemeris) performs the most needed astronomical calculations, involving the sun, the moon, the planets, eclipses, astrophotography exposures, mean sidereal time and Julian Day, precession of coordinates, phases of the moon, equinoxes and solstices, Galilean satellites of Jupiter, perpetual calendar, and Polaris. It achieves an accuracy in calculations that is comparable to those contained in the ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC and is more comprehensive and convenient, for astronomical observing purposes, than the FLOPPY ALMANAC. Part II of ACE (Solar System Data) provides, for all the planets and satellites of the solar system, orbital and physical data, as well as descriptive and observational data. Part III of ACE (Sky Catalog) provides data on over 2000 deep-sky objects, the entire Messier Catalog, 100 named objects, all bright stars to magnitude 2.00, and 100 prominent double stars, with detailed commentary on nearly 400 of these objects. Objects may be searched for on the basis of one criterion or by a combination of criteria. Now, to tell you a little about ourselves. AstroSoft is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational and scientific organization, which includes among its activities the offering of software intended primarily for educational and scientific institutions. We are two dedicated amateur astronomers and computer professionals (a software engineer and a senior systems analyst) who devote our spare time to this effort. This version of the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris represents its first public release, and as such it must be considered somewhat experimental; it certainly is not a finished product. Improvements and enhancements will be made to the software, bugs will be fixed, and inconvenient features will be changed. We encourage you to participate in this process by relaying to us your comments, criticisms, and suggestions. We especially welcome your reports of any problems, your suggestions for improvements, and your recommendations for enhancements. We would also like you to advise us of any errors you notice in the datafiles for Parts II and III. We have made every effort to proofread these files, but undoubtedly a few errors have escaped our notice. Finally, we ask that you respect the generosity of those generous publishers (acknowledged in Appendix F) who have given their Page 4 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 permission to include certain copyrighted materials, by refraining from using, copying, or distributing any of the datafiles or any other individual files apart from the whole software package, in accordance with the legal limitations of the Limited License. We are pleased to offer to you what we believe is the most comprehensive astronomy package currently available from any source, and we are planning new releases to make ACE even more comprehensive and useful. Jerry Gardner Martin Morrison AstroSoft, Inc. Post Office Box 4451 Hayward, CA 94540-4451 Page 5 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 CONFIGURATIONS SUPPORTED ------------------------ ACE runs on any IBM Personal Computer (PC, XT, or AT) or true compatible with the following minimum configuration: 128 kilobytes of Random Access Memory (RAM) 1 double-sided floppy diskette drive Monochrome monitor with monochrome display adapter (MDA) or color monitor with color graphics adapter (CGA) PC-DOS version 2.10 or above Epson FX-80-compatible Parallel Printer ACE may run on other configurations of IBM Personal Computers and compatibles, but we have not tested it thoroughly on any other configurations. A special version of ACECALC is available for those systems with a Mathematics Co-Processor. For further information about this special version, you are invited to write to AstroSoft, Inc. Page 6 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 GETTING HARDCOPY ---------------- With a few exceptions, the ACE displays do not have a specific print option. If you wish to print a screen to the printer you designated during the ACE installation process, use one of the shift keys in combination with the PrtSc key. Those displays that have specific print options are mentioned in this documentation at the appropriate point. Page 7 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 THE ACE DISKETTES ----------------- ACE is distributed on two double-sided, double-density diskettes as follows: Volume ACE1 ACECALC 000 Overlay file (ACECALC) ACECALC COM The Astronomical Ephemeris Program ACESOLAR EXE The Solar System Data Program ASPECT DAT Planetary observational data (ACESOLAR) DESCRIP DAT Planetary descriptive data (ACESOLAR) HELP TXT Help screens (ACECALC) INSTALL COM The Installation Program PLAINF DAT Orbital/physical of planetary data (ACESOLAR) SATINF DAT Orbital/physical satellite data (ACESOLAR) SITE DAT User's Site Descriptor File SUBMOD CHN Overlay file (ACECALC) ACE DOC The ACE User's Manual (this file) Volume ACE2 ACECAT COM The Sky Catalog Program (ACECAT) DBLCAT DAT Double-star catalog (ACECAT) DBLCOM DAT Double-star commentary (ACECAT) DBLCOM NDX Double-star commentary index (ACECAT) DEEPCAT DAT Deep-sky catalog (ACECAT) DEEPCOM DAT Deep-sky commentary (ACECAT) DEEPCOM NDX Deep-sky commentary index (ACECAT) DEEPMES DAT Messier catalog (ACECAT) DEEPNAM DAT Named objects catalog (ACECAT) HELP2 TXT Help screens (ACECAT) README Information about ACE SITE DAT User's Site Descriptor File (ACECAT) STARCAT DAT Bright-star catalog (ACECAT) STARCOM DAT Bright-star commentary (ACECAT) STARCOM NDX Bright-star commentary index (ACECAT) Page 8 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 THE ACE INSTALLATION PROGRAM (INSTALL) ---------------------------- Before you begin using ACE, you must install it for your particular observing site and computer equipment by entering INSTALL at the DOS prompt and responding to the questions. Be sure that the current drive/directory contain the INSTALL program and the Site Descriptor File (SITE.DAT). The Site Descriptor File, when installed, contains the following information on your observing site and computer equipment: longitude, latitude, time zone name, time zone, availability of a printer, number of columns on printer, and installation name. Once you have installed ACE for your particular observing site, the Site Descriptor File is customized for your observing site. You do not have to install ACE again, unless you wish to change your local time from standard time to daylight-saving time or vice versa. ACE assumes that your system clock is set to the local time you enter. If your system uses only a floppy diskette drive(s), after you install (or reinstall) the Site Descriptor File, you must use the DOS COPY command to copy the SITE.DAT file from volume ACE1 to volume ACE2, as the programs on ACE2 must also have access to this file. If your system uses a hard disk drive and you copy both volumes ACE1 and ACE2 to one directory, this procedure is not applicable. Detailed help on the installation process is provided within the program itself. Page 9 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 THE THREE PARTS OF ACE ---------------------- Each of ACE's three parts has its own menu. To select one of these menus, enter the name of the main program at the DOS prompt. If your system uses only a floppy diskette drive(s), be sure that the current drive contains the main program you select and all associated files listed in "The ACE Diskettes" supra. You must leave the appropriate volume in the current drive while the program is running, so that ACE may have continuous access to the files. If your system uses a hard disk drive, you should copy both volumes ACE1 and ACE2 to one directory. Be sure that this directory is the current directory whenever you use ACE. Part Name Main Program Volume ---- ---- ------------ ------ I Astronomical Ephemeris ACECALC ACE1 II Solar System Data ACESOLAR ACE1 III Sky Catalog ACECAT ACE2 When you enter the program name at the DOS prompt, ACE displays the user-supported software screen, the title screen, and the menu for the part of ACE you selected. Page 10 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 PART I: ASTRONOMICAL EPHEMERIS (ACECALC) ------------------------------- The Part I menu displays the Universal Time; the local date, time, and time-zone name; the Julian Day; the Local Mean Sidereal Time; and the installation name you designated during the ACE installation process. The time displays are updated every second and are accurate only to the degree that you set the system time. Use the menu to select one of the options or an exit to the DOS level. The options are: The Sun Phases of the Moon The Moon Equinoxes and Solstices The Planets Galilean Satellites of Jupiter Eclipses Perpetual Calendar Astrophotography Exposures Polaris Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day DOS Shell Precession of Coordinates Exit Use the Spacebar or the Arrow Keys to move the shaded bar to select an option; then hit the Enter key. ACE then displays the screen for the option you select have selected. If at the menu level you need a description of any of the options, hit the H key for help. General Principles ------------------ 1. ENTER THE FULL YEAR. Be sure to enter all the digits of the year you choose. For example, if you intend 1985, enter "1985"; the "19" is NOT assumed. Enter years A.D. without a sign or with a plus-sign (+). Enter years B.C. with a minus-sign (-). If you enter the non-existent year 0, ACE displays an error message and allows you to correct your entry. 2. OBSERVE THE "WAIT" MESSAGE. ACE displays a "WAIT" message in the upper right corner of the screen during long calculations. Avoid hitting any keys while ACE displays this message. 3. HIT THE ENTER KEY AT THE FIRST ENTRY FIELD TO RETURN TO THE MENU. Return to the menu by hitting the Enter key when the cursor is positioned at the first entry field. 4. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LINE UP ENTRIES UNDER THE FIELD HEADINGS. Just leave at least one space between each field, enter the fields in the order indicated in the headings, and hit the Enter key after the last field. ACE allocates your entries to the appropriate field for you. Page 11 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 5. USE DEFAULTS TO SPEED ENTRIES. For most options, ACE stores the values you entered for the previous set of calculations. When you enter a new set, you need only enter values (in the order of the headings) up to the point when the rest are the same as in the previous set. Then hit the Enter key, and ACE automatically supplies the previous values for the rest of the fields. 6. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CASE. ACE doesn't check input for case. Therefore, you are allowed to make entries in any combination of uppercase and lowercase characters. For example, "MARS", "mars", or "Mars" are equivalent. 7. NAMES OF PLANETS MAY BE ABBREVIATED. When you enter the name of a planet, you need only enter enough of the name to distinguish it from the name of any other planet. For example, "Me" is sufficient to distinguish Mercury from Mars. 8. CTRL/R MAY BE USED TO RETRIEVE THE PREVIOUS ENTRY. When ACE returns the cursor to the entry area after displaying one set of calculations under an option, you may hit Ctrl/R to retrieve the entry you previously made. You may then edit the entry and/or hit Enter. 9. DO NOT USE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD FOR ENTRY. To enable use of the arrow keys in the menu, the numeric keypad is disabled for numeric entry. Use of the numeric keypad generates spurious characters. Options ------- The Sun ------- Use this option to find, for the date and time you enter, the sun's position (right ascension and declination), altitude and azimuth, nutation in longitude and obliquity, times of sunrise and sunset, and times of beginning and ending of morning and evening astronomical twilight (the time when the upper limb of the sun is 18 degrees below the true horizon). Example entry format: Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec 1 1 1986 12 0 0 The Moon -------- Use this option to find, for the date and time you enter, the Page 12 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 moon's position (right ascension and declination), altitude and azimuth, horizontal parallax (the angle subtended by the earth as seen from the moon), distance from the earth, semi-diameter, illuminated fraction, and times of moonrise and moonset. Example entry format: Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec 1 1 1986 12 0 0 The Planets ----------- Use this option to find, for the date, time, and planet you enter, the position (right ascension and declination), altitude and azimuth, distance from the earth, elongation, semi-diameter, illuminated fraction, and times of rising and setting (in chronological order). At this time, if you enter "Pluto," ACE displays an error message. Example entry format: Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec Planet 1 1 1986 0 0 0 Mars Eclipses -------- Use this option to list, for the month or year you enter, the circumstances of any solar and lunar eclipses visible from any location. After you enter a month and year, you may list eclipses for that month/year combination by entering "M" or for that entire year by entering "Y." For each eclipse, ACE lists the UT date and time of the eclipse, the type of eclipse, and the magnitude. For total lunar eclipses, ACE lists a more complete list of timings comprising beginning of partial phase, beginning of total phase, maximum eclipse, end of total phase, and end of partial phase. The possible types of solar eclipses are total, annular, annular- total, and partial. The types of lunar eclipses are total, partial (umbral), and penumbral. Example entry format: Month Year List [(M)onth, (Y)ear] 1 1986 Y Page 13 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 Astrophotography Exposures -------------------------- Use this option to calculate, for the information you enter, exposure times and image sizes needed in lunar and planetary photography. You may obtain the values for object diameter (twice the semi-diameter) and phase (illuminated fraction) from "The Moon" or "The Planets" options. At this time, a planet's magnitude and phase must be obtained from a current issue of ASTRONOMY or SKY & TELESCOPE. After displaying the result of the calculations, ACE redisplays the values you entered for that set of calculations except for the first field, which is blank. After you enter a value for this field, the cursor moves to the next field, erasing the value that was displayed there previously. At this point you may hit the Enter key to accept the value previously displayed for that field or enter a new value. The same process is then repeated for each subsequent field. Be sure to check the value of the next field before you hit the Enter key to remind yourself of its previous value. Example entry format: Object Name: Mars Objective Diameter: 200 Focal Length (same units as diameter): 2000 Film Speed (ISO): 100 Object Diameter (" of arc): 30 Magnitude: -2.5 Phase (0-1): 0.95 Filter Factor (1 = no filter): 1 Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day --------------------------------- Use this option to find, for the date, time, right ascension, and declination you enter, the Universal Time, Julian Day Number, Greenwich Mean Sidereal Time, Local Mean Sidereal Time, hour angle, altitude, azimuth, airmass (the ratio of atmospheric interference looking toward the object as compared to that looking toward the zenith, on a scale of 1 to infinity, with "***" indicating an object below the horizon), rise, and set. A message will be displayed if the object is circumpolar from your observing site. Example entry format: Right Ascension Declination Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec Hrs Min Sec Deg Min Sec 1 1 1986 20 0 0 0 40 0 41 40 0 Page 14 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 Precession of Coordinates ------------------------- Use this option to precess forward or backward, for the epochs you enter, the coordinates of an object. Example entry format: From What Epoch? 1950 To What Epoch? 2000 Right Ascension Declination Hrs Min Sec Deg Min Sec 0 40 0 41 40 0 Phases of the Moon ------------------ Use this option to find, for the month and year you enter, the dates and times of each phase of the moon. Example entry format: Month Year 1 1986 Equinoxes and Solstices ----------------------- Use this option to find, for the year you enter, the UT dates and times of the beginnings of the four seasons of the year. Example entry format: Year 1986 Galilean Satellites of Jupiter ------------------------------- Use this option to plot graphically the relative positions of the four Galilean satellites of Jupiter. The display starts at the date and time entered. Each subsequent display, updated at a rate set by your computer's speed (about one display per second), shows to scale the satellites' positions relative to the x-axis for the update interval you enter. For example, an update interval of "60" displays the positions as they would appear each hour. An update interval of "0" displays the positions for only Page 15 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 the date and time entered. Example entry format: Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec Update Interval (Minutes) 1 1 1986 21 0 0 60 Perpetual Calendar ------------------ Use this option to display, for the month and year in the Gregorian calendar you enter, the calendar for that month. You may optionally request a printout of the calendar on the printer you designated during the ACE installation process. Example entry format: Month Year Hardcopy[Y/N] 1 1986 N Polaris ------- Use this option to find, for the month, day, and year you enter, the times of the culminations and elongations of Polaris. Example entry format: Month Day Year 1 1 1986 DOS Shell --------- Use this option to execute DOS commands without leaving ACE. To return to ACE, type "EXIT" at the DOS prompt. Exit ---- Use this option when you want to exit from the menu and return to the DOS prompt. Page 16 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 PART II: SOLAR SYSTEM DATA (ACESOLAR) --------------------------- The Part II menu displays the local date and time, updated approximately every second and accurate only to the degree that you set the system time. Use the menu to select one of the options or an exit to the DOS level. The options are: Orbital/Physical (Sun/Planets) Observational Data (Sun/Planets) Orbital/Physical (Satellites) Music Off/On Descriptive Data (Sun/Planets) Exit Use the Spacebar to move the shaded bar to select an option; then hit the Enter key. ACE then displays the screen for the option you have selected. General Principles ------------------ 1. OBSERVE THE "WAIT" MESSAGE. ACE displays a "WAIT" message in the upper right corner of the screen while loading datafiles. Avoid hitting any keys while ACE displays this message. Options ------- Orbital/Physical (Sun/Planets) ------------------------------ Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select, the following orbital and physical data for the object: Sun or planet Mean distance from sun (AU) Mean distance from sun (x 10^6 km) Sidereal period of revolution (y) Synodic period of revolution (d) Orbital period of revolution (y) Synodic period of revolution (d) Orbital eccentricity Inclination of orbital plane relative to ecliptic (deg) Longitude of node (deg) Equatorial diameter (km) Oblateness Mass (1 earth unit = 5.977 x 10^24 kg) Mean density (g/cm^3) Surface gravity at pole (1 earth unit = 9.8 m/s^2) Page 17 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 Rotation period (d) Escape speed at pole (km/s) Inclination of equator to orbit (deg) Albedo Number of confirmed satellites While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data, hit the Enter key to return to the Sun/Planets Menu. Orbital/Physical (Satellites) ----------------------------- Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select, the following orbital and physical data for the object's satellites: Sun or planet name Name of satellite Number of satellite Diameter (km) Mass (x 10^20 kg) Density (Mg/m^3) Mean distance from planet (x10^3 km) Mean distance from planet (sec) Revolutionary period (d) Eccentricity Orbital inclination (deg) Apparent visual magnitude Visual albedo Discoverer Year discovered While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data for the first satellite, hit the Enter key for the next listing. If the listing just displayed is the last for the sun or planet selected, ACE displays an appropriate message and automatically returns to the Sun/Planets Menu. Descriptive Data (Sun/Planets) ------------------------------ Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select, general descriptive data for the object. While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data, Page 18 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 hit the Enter key to return to the Sun/Planets Menu. Observational Data (Sun/Planets) -------------------------------- Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select, observational data for viewing the object with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes. While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data, hit the Enter key to return to the Sun/Planets Menu. Music Off/On ------------ This option displays the current state of the musical accompaniment, off or on. (When ACE is first run, the state is set to on.) If you enter "Y" at the "Change?" prompt, the state will be changed to the opposite state, and the new state will be displayed before ACE returns to the Solar System Data Menu. If you enter anything but "Y," the state will not be changed. Exit ---- Use this option when you want to exit from the menu and return to the DOS prompt. Page 19 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 PART III: SKY CATALOG (ACECAT) ---------------------- The Part III menu displays the Universal Time; the local date, time, and time-zone name; the Julian Day; the Local Mean Sidereal Time; and the installation name you designated during the ACE installation process. The time displays are updated every second and are accurate only to the degree that you set the system time. Use the menu to select one of the options or an exit to the DOS level. The options are: Search Options File Options DOS Shell Exit Use the Spacebar or the Arrow Keys to move the shaded bar to select an option; then hit the Enter key. ACE then displays the screen for the option you select have selected. If at the menu level you need a description of any of the options, hit the H key for help. General Principles ------------------ 1. OBSERVE THE "WORKING..." MESSAGE. ACE displays a "Working..." message at the bottom of the screen during file searches. Avoid hitting any keys while ACE displays this message. If you must exit while the "Working..." message is still being displayed, you may exit to the menu by hitting the Esc key. Search Options -------------- Use this option to search for objects in the currently- selected file option. A series of search options for the currently-selected file is displayed, one by one. To restrict the search within the option currently being displayed, you make an appropriate entry for that option. If you do not wish to restrict the search within the option currently being displayed, hit the Enter key, and no object is excluded on the basis of its value for that option. If you enter a unique value for an option (e.g., a catalog number or an object name), ACE dispenses with displaying further search options. To search for all objects in the currently-selected file, hit the Enter key after every search option. Page 20 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 You thus have the ability to perform simple or complex searches by restricting your search within one option or within a combination of options. For example, you may restrict your search by type (e.g., planetary nebulae) or by a combination of type, right ascension, and declination (e.g., planetary nebulae from 12-13 hours right ascension and 35-40 degrees declination). If a search generates a list of more than sixteen objects, the "<Pause> Hit any key to continue or the Esc key to abort" message is displayed. To see more, hit any key. This message appears after each group of sixteen objects and after the last object. If you wish to abort a search, hit the Esc key to display the "* Aborted * Hit any key to continue" message. Then hit any key to return to the menu. If no object meets the search criteria you entered, the "Object(s) not found" message appears, and ACE automatically returns to the menu. The search options are: Catalog Number -------------- In response to the Catalog Number option, hit Enter to default to all catalog numbers, or enter the catalog number of an object with a letter prefix indicating the catalog source. See Appendix E under "Cat #" for a list of letter prefixes for each file. Messier Catalog numbers with an "M" prefix may also be entered at the Catalog Number option. Any blanks in the entry are ignored, but upper case and lower case are distinguished (i.e., "M" for Messier and "m" for Melcotte). Name ---- In response to the Name option, hit Enter to default to all common names, or enter the common name (Full Catalog, Messier Catalog, and Named Objects files) or Bayer letter/Flamsteed number (Bright Stars and Double Stars files) of an object. ACE matches the name you enter with any entry containing that name. For example, the entry "Dumbbell" matches both "Dumbbell" (M27) and "Little Dumbbell" (M76). Constellation ------------- In response to the Constellation option, hit Enter to default to Page 21 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 all constellations, or enter the constellation name by its International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter abbreviation. You may also spell the name of the constellation out, in which case you need include only the first three or more letters of the constellation's name that identify it uniquely. If you do not spell the name sufficiently to identify it uniquely, ACE uses the first constellation name in alphabetical order that matches the entry. For example, to enter the constellation Aquila, you may enter its abbreviation "AQL," or you may spell out "AQUI," "AQUIL," or "AQUILA," all of which identify the constellation uniquely. If you spell out only "AQU," ACE uses Aquarius, as Aquarius precedes Aquila alphabetically. ACE doesn't check constellation entries for case. Therefore, you are allowed to make entries in any combination of uppercase and lowercase characters. For example, "AQL," "aql," and "Aql" are equivalent. Right Ascension --------------- In response to the Starting R.A./Ending R.A. option, hit Enter to default to all right ascensions (00.0000 to 23.5959), or enter a Starting R.A. and an Ending R.A., leaving only a space between the two. Right ascension is entered in the form HH.MMSS, where HH are the hours (the leading zero may be omitted), MM are the minutes, and SS are the seconds. SS or MMSS may be omitted; however, if you do include MM or MMSS, you must not omit any leading zeroes. If you enter a Starting R.A. greater than or equal to the Ending R.A., ACE displays an error message and gives you an opportunity to re-enter the information. If you enter only a Starting R.A., ACE defaults to all right ascensions. Declination ----------- In response to the Starting Declination/Ending Declination option, hit Enter to default to all declinations (-90.0000 to 90.0000), or enter a Starting Declination and an Ending Declination, leaving only a space between the two. Declination is entered in the form DD.MMSS, where DD are the degrees (the leading zero may be omitted), MM are the minutes, and SS are the seconds. SS or MMSS may be omitted; however, if you do include MM or MMSS, you must not omit any leading zeroes. Page 22 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 If you enter a Starting Declination greater than or equal to the Ending Declination, ACE displays an error message and gives you an opportunity to re-enter the information. If you enter only a Starting Declination, ACE defaults to all declinations. Object Type ----------- In response to the Object Type option, hit Enter to default to all object types, or enter the object type (see Appendix E under "Typ" for a list of entry values for each file). External galaxies (analgalactic nebulae) may be selected as object type "GLX" or according to their Hubble Classification (e.g., "Sb"), when upper case and lower case are distinguished "SB," e.g., is different from "Sb."). Display Commentary ------------------ In response to the Display Commentary option, hit Enter (or enter "N") to skip display of any available commentary on the objects displayed as a result of the search, or enter "Y" to display commentary for any or all of the objects. If you enter any other response, ACE will reprompt. If you enter "Y," any objects located during the search are displayed in the usual manner. After all these objects have been displayed and you hit any key in response to the "<Pause> Hit any key to continue" message, ACE displays a screen like the following: Next Object is M13 Hit ENTER to view commentary Hit SPACEBAR to skip to next object Hit ESC to return to menu To view commentary for the Next Object listed, hit the Enter key. To skip to the next object, hit the Spacebar. To return to the menu, hit the Esc key. After you hit the Enter key, Spacebar, or Esc key, the "<Pause> Hit any key to continue" message is displayed. Then hit any key to proceed to your selection. Hardcopy -------- In response to the Hardcopy option, hit Enter (or enter "N") if you do not wish a hardcopy of the object listings and commentary on the objects displayed as a result of the search, or enter "Y" Page 23 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 to print a hardcopy. If you enter any other response, ACE will reprompt. If you enter "Y," a hardcopy of any object listings and commentary displayed on your screen during the search is simultaneously printed on the printer you designated during the ACE installation process. If your installed printer is not on line, DOS will display the "Write fault error writing device" message. At this point you may put your printer on line and enter "R," and DOS will proceed to print. File Options ------------ Use this option to select the file to be used in searches. When you enter the Part III menu, ACE defaults to the Full Catalog File Option. Before entering your Search Options, you may select one of the other file options. The option you select is used for subsequent searches until you select another option or until you select Exit from the menu. To select a file option, use the Spacebar or the Arrow Keys to move the shaded bar to the option of your choice; then hit the Enter key. ACE returns automatically to the menu. The file options are: Full Catalog ------------ This is a file of over 2000 deep-sky objects, including all 110 of the Messier Catalog objects and all J.L.E. Dreyer's NEW GENERAL CATALOG and INDEX CATALOG objects as listed in Antonin Becvar's ATLAS COELI 1950.0. Searches of this file are longest; searches of the other files take considerably less time. Messier Catalog --------------- This file contains the 110 Messier Catalog objects. Named Objects ------------- This file contains about 100 objects having common names, e.g., "Ring" and "Owl." Page 24 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 Bright Stars ------------ This file contains data for about 50 bright stars, comprising all stars with magnitudes less than 2.00. Double Stars ------------ This file contains data for about 100 prominent double stars. DOS Shell --------- Use this option to execute DOS commands without leaving ACE. To return to ACE, type "EXIT" at the DOS prompt. Exit ---- Use this option when you want to exit from the menu and return to the DOS prompt. Page 25 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX A ---------- Input Error Messages -------------------- Part I: Astronomical Ephemeris ------------------------------- Text of Message Action to Take --------------- -------------- Non-numeric input or number out of range Re-enter numerics Month must be 1 to 12 Re-enter month Day must be 1 to 31 Re-enter day Year cannot be 0 Re-enter year Hrs must be 0 to 23 Re-enter hours Min must be 0 to 59 Re-enter minutes Sec must be 0 to 59 Re-enter seconds Ra Hrs must be 0 to 23 Re-enter Ra Ra Min must be 0 to 59 " " Ra Sec must be 0 to 59 " " Dec Deg must be -90 to 90 Re-enter Dec Dec Min must be 0 to 59 " " Dec Sec must be 0 to 59 " " Object must be a planet or the moon Re-enter object Objective diameter must be greater than 0 Re-enter diameter Focal length must be greater than 0 Re-enter F.L. Film speed must be greater than 0 Re-enter speed Object diameter must be greater than 0 Re-enter diameter Phase must be between 0 and 1 Re-enter phase Filter factor must be 1 or greater Re-enter factor Range must be (M)onth or (Y)ear Select M or Y Year out of range. Sorry, try again Try different year Illegal argument for Arc Cosine Report this error Illegal argument for Arc Sine Report this error Possible inaccuracy in calculation Ignore (a warning) Year must not be 0 Re-enter year Object must be a planet, except Earth or Pluto Re-enter planet Please respond Y or N Answer Y or N Part III: Sky Catalog ---------------------- Text of Message Action to Take --------------- -------------- Non-numeric input or number out of range Re-enter number Right Ascension must be 0.0 to 23.59 Re-enter Ra Declination must be -90.0 to 90.0 Re-enter Dec Page 26 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 No such constellation name or abbreviation Re-enter name Insufficient input Be more specific Ambiguous or conflicting Ra limits Correct Ra limits Ambiguous or conflicting Dec limits Correct Dec limits Page 27 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX B ---------- Known Problems and Limitations ------------------------------ 1. On exit from Parts I and III of ACE, the cursor may remain yellow. Use the DOS command CLS to clear the screen and return the cursor to white. This problem occurs because of the default color in Turbo Pascal and may be corrected in future releases. Page 28 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX C ---------- Technical Information on Part I ------------------------------- The U.S. Naval Observatory uses large mainframe computers to calculate the ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC and adjusts its ephemeris formulae each year. These calculations are quite lengthy and consume many hours of computer time. Hence, such accuracy cannot be expected from a microcomputer at reasonable computation times. Nevertheless, Part I (Astronomical Ephemeris) approaches the accuracy of the ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC to an extent that we believe is more than sufficient for even advanced astronomical use. We intend to improve the accuracy of Part I even further in future releases. Therefore, if you find a case where ACE generates a result that is significantly in error, please report the details to AstroSoft so that we may correct any possible problems. A brief technical description of the assumptions underlying the calculations performed in Part I follows. The Sun ------- The accuracy of the computed right ascension and declination is 1 second of arc. The accuracy of sunrise, sunset, and twilight times is approximately plus or minus two minutes. A value of 34' of arc is used for refraction corrections at the horizon, and a value of 16' of arc is used for the solar semi-diameter at the time of rising and setting. All computations are performed in ephemeris time. The Moon -------- The accuracy of the calculations is better than one minute of arc in both right ascension and declination. The accuracy of moonrise and moonset times is approximately plus or minus five minutes. A value of 34' of arc is used for refraction corrections at the horizon, and the actual computed value of the semi- diameter at the time of rising and setting is used. The rising and setting times are corrected for parallax. All computations are performed in ephemeris time. Page 29 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 The Planets ----------- Planetary positions may have a maximum error of approximately plus or minus 1 minute of arc. In practice, most of the planetary calculations are much more accurate than this. The accuracy of the rising and setting times is approximately plus or minus two minutes. No correction for semi-diameter is used in the computation of the rising and setting times. All computations are performed in ephemeris time. Eclipses -------- No attempt is made to calculate the local circumstances of solar eclipses. The computed times are accurate to approximately five minutes. Astrophotography Exposures -------------------------- In general, the exposure times given are accurate to approximately 15 percent. To allow for unpredictable conditions, the exposure times should be bracketed. Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day --------------------------------- The computed sidereal time is accurate to 0.5 second. The Julian day number is accurate to four decimal places. The rising and setting times have been corrected for refraction, but not for parallax and semi-diameter. The airmass is proportional to the object's zenith distance. Airmass of any object is 1.0 at the zenith, and infinity at the horizon. Precession of Coordinates ------------------------- The precession is calculated according to a rigorous algorithm developed by Simon Newcomb that is valid for a limited time (at least several hundred years in the past and future). Page 30 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 Phases of the Moon ------------------ The calculated times of lunar phases may be in error by up to 2 minutes. Equinoxes and Solstices ----------------------- The calculated times of the seasons are accurate to approximately ten minutes. Galilean Satellites of Jupiter ------------------------------ No attempt is made to display the relative positions of the satellites in the Y-coordinate plane. The accuracy of the display is limited by the low resolution of the display (80 columns). Eclipses and transits are not indicated. Perpetual Calendar ------------------ The calendar is valid for any year between 32 000 B.C. and A.D. 32 000. Polaris ------- The times of the culminations and elongations of Polaris are accurate to approximately 1 second. Page 31 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX D ---------- Musical Selections Used in Part II ---------------------------------- Body Composer Title ---- -------- ----- Sun Edvard Grieg (1842-1907) Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Morning Mood (Allegretto pastorale) Mercury Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger (Vivace) Venus Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): II. Venus, the Bringer of Peace (Adagio) Earth Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune (Tres modere) Mars Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): I. Mars, the Bringer of War (Allegro) Jupiter Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (Allegro giacoso, 6 measures after start) Saturn Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age (Adagio, poco animato, 3 Measures after I) Uranus Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): VI. Uranus, the Magician (Allegro, 9 measures after V) Neptune Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32 (1914-16): VII. Neptune the Mystic (Andante) Pluto Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Symphonie Fantastique (1830): V. Songe d'une Nuit de Sabbat: Dies Irae (Lontano) Page 32 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX E ---------- Information Displayed in Part III --------------------------------- Information displayed in Part III is in one of three formats: one format for the Full Catalog, Messier Catalog, and Named Objects, one format for the Bright Stars, and one format for the Double Stars. Full Catalog, Messier Catalog, and Named Objects ------------------------------------------------ * Indicates that the object has an entry in the corresponding commentary file Cat # A four-digit catalog number with a letter prefix indicating the catalog source: A = R.G. Aitken B = Barnard H = F.W. Herschel I = J.L.E. Dreyer's INDEX CATALOG J = W.S. Jacob m = Melcotte N = J.L.E. Dreyer's NEW GENERAL CATALOG W = Winnecke M Number in the Messier Catalog RA Right Ascension in hours and minutes, to tenths of minutes (most are for Epoch 1950.0; a few are for Epoch 1980.0) Dec Declination in degrees and minutes of arc (most are for Epoch 1950.0; a few are for Epoch 1980.0) Mag Apparent (integrated) visual magnitude (a "P" suffix indicates an apparent [integrated] photographic magnitude, where an apparent visual magnitude is unavailable; a "var" suffix indicates variable) Typ Object type: DIF = bright diffuse nebulae GCL = globular star clusters OCL = galactic (open) star clusters PLA = planetary nebulae External galaxies (anagalactic nebulae) are listed by their Hubble Classification, but may be selected as a group by an object type of "GLX": E = elliptical I = irregular S = spiral SB = barred spiral a = early type (bright nucleus, arms less developed Page 33 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 b = intermediate type (lesser nucleus, arms fairly extended) c = late type (weak nucleus, arms very conspicuous) p = peculiar Size Apparent largest and smallest diameters Dis Distance in parsecs (pc), except in kiloparsecs (kpc) for globular clusters and in distance moduli for external galaxies. Suffixes: C = x 100 K = x 1000 Con International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter abbreviation for the constellation Name Common name of the object Bright Stars ------------ * Indicates that the object has an entry in the corresponding commentary file Cat # A five-digit number preceded by the letter "B" indicating the catalog source (Boss General Catalog) Sp Spectral Classification (Harvard) RA Right Ascension in hours and minutes, to tenths of minutes (for Epoch 1980.0) Dec Declination in degrees and minutes of arc (for Epoch 1980.0) Mag Visual magnitude based on photoelectric observations, with a few exceptions, which have been adjusted to match the yellow color- sensitivity of the eye; it is as likely as not that the true magnitude is within 0.03 of the quoted figure, on the average (variable stars are indicated with a "V") Typ Object type: STR (bright star) Name Common name (Arabic, Greek, or Latin) Dis Distance in parsecs (pc) Con International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter abbreviation Greek Letter Bayer letter (Greek or Roman letter) or Flamsteed number Double Stars ------------ * Indicates that the object has an entry in the corresponding commentary file Cat # A five-digit number preceded by the letter "B" indicating the catalog source (Boss General Catalog) Cls Class BIN = binary Page 34 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 CPM = common proper motion FIX = fixed MUL = multiple OPT = optical QUA = quadruple QUI = quintuple TRI = triple RA Right Ascension in hours and minutes, to tenths of minutes (for Epoch 1950.0) Dec Declination in degrees and minutes of arc (for Epoch 1950.0) RA Right Ascension for Epoch 1950.0 Dec Declination for Epoch 1950.0 Sep Separation of widest components Typ Object type: DBL (double or multiple star) Mag Visual magnitudes of widest components Ang Position angle of widest components Con International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter abbreviation Greek Letter Bayer letter (Greek or Roman letter) or Flamsteed number Page 35 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX F ---------- Acknowledgments --------------- Excerpts from the following copyrighted materials are included by permission of the copyright owner. AstroSoft extends its gratitude to these generous publishers, who have thereby made important astronomical data available, as part of this package, to educational and scientific institutions, as well as the amateur astronomical community and the general public. NONE OF THE DATAFILES OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL FILES FROM ACE IS TO BE USED, COPIED, OR DISTRIBUTED APART FROM THE WHOLE SOFTWARE PACKAGE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LIMITED LICENSE. PLEASE RESPECT THE GENEROSITY OF THESE PUBLISHERS BY RESPECTING THE LEGAL LIMITATIONS OF THE LIMITED LICENSE. Roy L. Bishop: OBSERVER'S HANDBOOK 1987. Copyright The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Toronto). Walter Scott Houston: 50 CELESTIAL SPLENDORS TO VIEW, in Sky & Telescope, January 1981, pages 23-28. Copyright Sky Publishing Corporation 1981 (Cambridge, Massachusetts). John H. Mallas and Evered Kreimer: THE MESSIER ALBUM, First Edition. Copyright Sky Publishing Corporation 1978 (Cambridge, Massachusetts). James Mullaney and Wallace McCall: THE FINEST DEEP-SKY OBJECTS. Copyright Sky Publishing Corporation 1966, 1972, 1978 (Cambridge, Massachusetts). Jack Newton and Philip Teece: THE CAMBRIDGE DEEP-SKY ALBUM. Copyright Cambridge University Press 1983 (Cambridge). Page 36 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX G ---------- The User-Supported Software Concept ----------------------------------- User-Supported Software is a concept in distributing computer programs, based on three principles: (1) that the value and utility of software is best assessed by the user on his own system. Only after using a program can the user really determine whether it serves his personal applications, needs, and tastes; (2) that the creation of independent personal-computer software can and should be supported by the computing community; (3) that the copying of programs should be encouraged, rather than restricted, as the ease with which software can be distributed outside traditional commercial channels reflects the strength, rather than the weakness, of electronic information. The software carries a notice suggesting a donation for the software. Making the suggested donation is voluntary on the part of each user. Regardless of whether the suggested donation is made, the user is encouraged to make copies of this software and to distribute them to other users, within the terms of the Limited License. Page 37 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX H ---------- Limited License --------------- This Limited License is granted to users of the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00, to use this software on a private, non-commercial basis and to make copies of this software and distribute them to other users, on the following conditions: (1) Copies are to comprise all files on both disks. None of the datafiles or any other individual files is to be used, copied, or distributed apart from the whole software package. (2) No "disk fee" or other consideration is to be charged for copying or distributing the software, except a small fee for shipping and materials. (3) The notices displayed at program start-up are not to be by- passed, altered, or removed. (4) This software is not to be distributed in modified form or in connection with any other product. (5) Copies may be posted for access via telecommunications, but only on these same conditions. (6) The user accepts that this software package is furnished on an "as is" basis with no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This Limited License is not granted to members of the Eastbay Astronomical Society, Inc., of Oakland, California. Such members are specifically prohibited from any use, copying, or distribution of this software, except with prior written permission of AstroSoft, Inc., after written application for such permission. Any use, copying, or distribution of this software indicates the user's acceptance of these terms and conditions. This software may not be used, copied, or distributed in any manner not provided for in the Limited License, except with prior written authorization of AstroSoft, Inc. Any breach of one or more of these conditions is legally punishable as an infringement of copyright. PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE USER-SUPPORTED SOFTWARE CONCEPT BY MAKING THE SUGGESTED DONATION AND ABIDING BY THE TERMS OF THE LIMITED LICENSE. Page 38 AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00 APPENDIX I ---------- How to Register Your Copy for Enhancements and Support ------------------------------------------------------ To register your copy of the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris, simply send your name and address to AstroSoft, Inc., Post Office Box 4451, Hayward, CA 94540-4451. Although we shall endeavor to send you from time to time information about ACE and announcements of enhancements to this software package and other AstroSoft software packages, we reserve the right to make changes to ACE without obligation to notify any user of such changes. Although we shall endeavor to maintain, enhance, and support ACE, we can make no commitment to do so. Page 39