Basic Astronomical Package, Version 0.1.6
Author: Alexander Roalter <roalter@in.tum.de> OS: Linux Language: ANSI C Licence: GPL
Overview
The libAstronomy Package provides a set of functions for use in astronomical programs. Target of the package is making available routines for all purposes by providing function for calculating ephemerides with only one function call, but also providing all the functions needed to do this to allow the user to make his own functions if he wants to.
Install
Although it is not finished yet, you can compile and install the package running 'make' and 'make install'. You may have to edit the Makefile to adapt your installation path.
Topics
constellation: delivers the name of a constellation by giving the position. This function works correctly with precession, too.
pmat: calculates the precession-matrix for equatorial and ecliptical coordinates and applies them to a coordinate.
sphere: converts ecliptical coordinates into equatorial coordinates and vice versa, and it converts horizontal coordinates in equatorial coordinates (and vice versa) too. Both sets of functions take care of the precession.
coord: mathematical help function for converting cartesian in polar coordinates and vice versa and for converting decimal numbers in degrees, minutes and seconds.
atime: functions for computing the julianic date from a given date and vice versa and computing the sidereal time (startime) in the local and Greenwich coordinates.
sun: a single function for computing the position of the sun with a precision of 1".
moon: a single function for computing the position of the moon with a precision of 1".
fast: two functions for fast computing of the positions of sun and moon with a precision of 1' (sun) and 1'-5' (moon) and 1'-10' of the planets.
Conclusion
For more information about the functions refer to the TeX-documentation delivered with this package. You can read it with xdvi or view the PostScript file with gv.
If you have any further questions, mail me.
Alexander Roalter