Astronomical algorithm
Encyclopedia
Astronomical algorithms are the algorithm
s used to calculate ephemerides
, calendar
s, and positions (as in celestial navigation
or satellite navigation). Examples of large and complex astronomical
algorithms are those used to calculate the position of the Moon
. A simple example is the calculation of the Julian day.
Numerical model of solar system
discusses a generalized approach to local astronomical modeling. The variations séculaires des orbites planétaires describes an often used model.
Algorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning...
s used to calculate ephemerides
Ephemeris
An ephemeris is a table of values that gives the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at a given time or times. Different kinds of ephemerides are used for astronomy and astrology...
, calendar
Calendar
A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial, or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. The name given to each day is known as a date. Periods in a calendar are usually, though not...
s, and positions (as in celestial navigation
Celestial navigation
Celestial navigation, also known as astronavigation, is a position fixing technique that has evolved over several thousand years to help sailors cross oceans without having to rely on estimated calculations, or dead reckoning, to know their position...
or satellite navigation). Examples of large and complex astronomical
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
algorithms are those used to calculate the position of the Moon
Moon
The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...
. A simple example is the calculation of the Julian day.
Numerical model of solar system
Numerical model of solar system
A numerical model of the Solar System is a set of mathematical equations, which, when solved, give the approximate positions of the planets as a function of time. Attempts to create such a model established the more general field of celestial mechanics. The results of this simulation can be...
discusses a generalized approach to local astronomical modeling. The variations séculaires des orbites planétaires describes an often used model.
See also
- AstrodynamicsAstrodynamicsOrbital mechanics or astrodynamics is the application of ballistics and celestial mechanics to the practical problems concerning the motion of rockets and other spacecraft. The motion of these objects is usually calculated from Newton's laws of motion and Newton's law of universal gravitation. It...
- Celestial mechanicsCelestial mechanicsCelestial mechanics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the motions of celestial objects. The field applies principles of physics, historically classical mechanics, to astronomical objects such as stars and planets to produce ephemeris data. Orbital mechanics is a subfield which focuses on...
- Charge-coupled deviceCharge-coupled deviceA charge-coupled device is a device for the movement of electrical charge, usually from within the device to an area where the charge can be manipulated, for example conversion into a digital value. This is achieved by "shifting" the signals between stages within the device one at a time...
(a data-collecting device that is sometimes aimed at the sky and requires algorithms to process its output) - Doomsday rule
- List of algorithms
- List of astronomical objects
- Meeus, JeanJean MeeusJean Meeus is a Belgian astronomer specializing in celestial mechanics. The asteroid 2213 Meeus is named after him.Jean Meeus studied mathematics at the University of Leuven in Belgium, where he received the Degree of Licentiate in 1953...
- Transformation from spherical coordinates to rectangular coordinates
- An implementation of Astronomical Algorithms. Calculate MJD, Equation of Time and Solar Declination in Excel, CAD or your other programs. The Sun API is free and extremely accurate. For Windows Computers.