Best tables for data of objects in our solar system?

AI Thread Summary
For a program modeling solar system objects in 3D, reliable data sources are essential. The Astronomical Almanac offers comprehensive tables and formulas for object positioning, with many resources available online through the US Naval Observatory. The Stellarium database is also recommended for its extensive catalog of solar system objects, including planets and their satellites. Additionally, the JPL Horizons database provides a wealth of information that could enhance the project's accuracy. Utilizing these resources will help ensure the program's details are as precise as possible.
Elecomputer
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
I'm writing a program that models objects in our solar system in 3D with lots of functionality. (Senor Project in Computer Engineering), since a lot of time an effort has gone into this software so far, I'd like to implement the most accurate details to configure several objects.

By objects, I mean planets, satellites, and dwarf planets. Comets would by interesting too.

On wikipedia, I found it hard to copy the data each page by page, not to mention some things are not filled out, (inclination is set to ecliptic / sun's equator).

On nasa, i haven't found any good tables, yet (confusing to navigate).

Since this is the astronomy forums, perhaps anyone has an idea of a good source?

Again, I am not an astronomer, but I love space and guided my project to this (I do know some astronomy to calculate the planetary motion).

Thanks in advance! When I finish my program, perhaps I can share it with all. It won't be as near as good as Universe Sandbox or anything, but it is in a different way, a simulation.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Hey Elecomputer!

I'm not sure if it's a good solution, but seeing how your thread slowly sinks to the second page tells me that I should post it anyway.

You may try using the database from Stellarium! It has a lot of solar system objects, including planets (of course), their satellites, and some large asteroids. They have a short http://www.stellarium.org/wiki/index.php/Star_Catalogue_Format describing their data format. Give it a shot.

Cheers!
 
The Astronomical Almanac not only has tables containing all the data you want, but also formulas for determining the position of objects in the solar system.

Many of the tables can be found online at the US Naval Observatory.

The book (which is put out by the USNO and Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office) is better, but you might have a hard time getting this year's book. It's already time to order next year's book. (The cost is around $40. You need a new book each year if you're truly serious about your data, but you can get by with a new book every once in a while supplemented by the tables online.)
 

Thread 'Does it make sense to build new radio telescopes?'

TL;DR Summary: In 3 years, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (or rather, a system of telescopes) should be put into operation. In case of failure to detect alien signals, it will further expand the radius of the so-called silence (or rather, radio silence) of the Universe. Is there any sense in this or is blissful ignorance better? In 3 years, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (or rather, a system of telescopes) should be put into operation. In case of failure to detect...
View full post »
Thread 'Could gamma-ray bursts have an intragalactic origin?'

Thread 'Could gamma-ray bursts have an intragalactic origin?'

This is indirectly evidenced by a map of the distribution of gamma-ray bursts in the night sky, made in the form of an elongated globe. And also the weakening of gamma radiation by the disk and the center of the Milky Way, which leads to anisotropy in the possibilities of observing gamma-ray bursts. My line of reasoning is as follows: 1. Gamma radiation should be absorbed to some extent by dust and other components of the interstellar medium. As a result, with an extragalactic origin, fewer...
View full post »

Thread 'Could fast radio bursts be alien radar signals?'

Both have short pulses of emission and a wide spectral bandwidth, covering a wide variety of frequencies: "Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are detected over a wide range of radio frequencies, including frequencies around 1400 MHz, but have also been detected at lower frequencies, particularly in the 400–800 MHz range. Russian astronomers recently detected a powerful burst at 111 MHz, expanding our understanding of the FRB range. Frequency Ranges: 1400 MHz: Many of the known FRBs have been detected...
View full post »

Similar threads

I New Developments In The Search For Planet X
Replies
2
Views
3K
B Question about the solar system and gravitational forces
Replies
10
Views
2K
Solar System Dynamics page at NASA/JPL
Replies
1
Views
2K
A N-Body Simulations of Chaos in the Orbits of Trappist System Planets
Replies
12
Views
2K
I Evidence for existence of a 9th Planet in the solar system
Replies
15
Views
2K
B Evolution of planetary system around a white dwarf
Replies
0
Views
2K
I Comet A117uUD Goes Interstellar after Encountering Saturn in 2022
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Strange spiral structure in Oort Cloud, outer Solar System
Replies
2
Views
958
I Solar Images Data: Where to Find?
Replies
6
Views
3K
I IAU Rotational Models: Sol Solar System Planet Info
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top