How to Accurately Convert FK5 to Altitude and Azimuth?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Scott S
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Astronomy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on converting FK5 positions into altitude and azimuth systems, specifically for surveyors. The user, Scott, has developed an Excel spreadsheet that approximates USNO values but requires refinement to improve accuracy, particularly in accounting for factors such as proper motion, precession, nutation, aberration, parallax, light deflection, polar rotation, and refraction. Scott utilized the IAU resources to enhance his calculations and seeks assistance to further tighten the results, which currently deviate by 30 seconds in azimuth and 10 seconds in altitude.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of FK5 and FK6 star catalog systems
  • Knowledge of astronomical concepts such as precession and nutation
  • Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and calculations
  • Familiarity with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) standards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of light deflection on astronomical measurements
  • Explore advanced techniques for calculating parallax in celestial navigation
  • Study the IAU's guidelines for accurate astronomical conversions
  • Investigate methods to improve precision in altitude and azimuth calculations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for surveyors, astronomers, and anyone involved in converting celestial coordinates, particularly those seeking to enhance the accuracy of FK5 to altitude and azimuth conversions.

Scott S
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Hello all,

I'm a surveyor working on an Excel spreadsheet to convert FK5 positions into altitude and azimuth system. Yeah, I know there's an FK6, but one step at a time.
I know it sounds simple, right.
But I have to account for proper motion, precession, nutation, aberration, parallax, light deflection, polar rotation and refraction.
I built the sheet and got very close to the USNO values (minus refraction, of course) but I need help tightening it up.

I'm within about 30 seconds in azimuth and 10 seconds in altitude.
I used Meeus mostly, so don't recommend that, please.

If anyone would be willing to help, I would GREATLY appreciated it.

Thanks, Scott
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org

Thread 'Galaxy MoM-z14 - furthest observed object'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MoM-z14 Any photon with energy above 24.6 eV is going to ionize any atom. K, L X-rays would certainly ionize atoms. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-the-most-distant-galaxy/ The James Webb Space Telescope has found the most distant galaxy ever seen, at the dawn of the cosmos. Again. https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/webb-mom-z14 A Cosmic Miracle: A Remarkably Luminous Galaxy at zspec = 14.44 Confirmed with JWST...
View full post »

Similar threads

Understanding Motion in Space Calculations
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K