Users Guide to NOVAS 3.0

Abstract

The Naval Observatory Vector Astrometry Software (NOVAS) is an integrated package of subroutines and functions for computing various commonly needed quantities in positional astronomy. The package can supply, in one or two subroutine or function calls, the instantaneous coordinates of any star or planet in a variety of coordinate systems. At a lower level, NOVAS also provides astrometric utility transformations, such as those for precession, nutation, aberration, parallax, and gravitational deflection of light. The computations are accurate to better than one milliarcsecond. The NOVAS library is an easy-to-use facility that can be incorporated into data reduction programs, telescope control systems, and simulations.The U.S. parts of The Astronomical Almanac are prepared using NOVAS.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 31, 2009
Accession Number
AD1112576

Entities

People

  • Alice K. Monet
  • G. H. Kaplan
  • Jennifer L. Bartlett
  • John A. Bangert
  • Wendy K. Puatua

Organizations

  • United States Naval Observatory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Angular Motion
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Refraction
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Data Reduction
  • Geometry
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Measurement
  • Observatories
  • Operating Systems
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Solar System
  • Star Position
  • Three Dimensional
  • United States
  • Web Browsers
  • World Geodetic System

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Computer Science.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris