Question about orbit determination with find_orb

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    Determination Orbit
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating orbital elements using the software "find_orb" with three observations of a moving body in the solar system. The user is uncertain about defining a provisional designation in the input file, as they only have dates, Right Ascension (RA), and declinations for the observations. Another participant mentions their experience with a similar Linux-based software called "find_burst," which identifies stellar phenomena without relying on RA or Dec. This highlights a potential gap in the user’s understanding of input requirements for "find_orb."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and celestial observations
  • Familiarity with Right Ascension (RA) and declination
  • Basic knowledge of the "find_orb" software and its input requirements
  • Experience with Linux-based software tools for astronomical calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to define provisional designations in "find_orb"
  • Explore alternative software for orbital determination, such as "AstroPy" or "Celestia"
  • Learn about the input file formats and requirements for "find_orb"
  • Investigate the principles of orbital mechanics relevant to three-point observations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and software developers interested in orbital determination and celestial mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

vacan
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Hello

I'm trying to calculate the orbital elements of a moving body in the solar system with given three observations.

I'm trying to solve this with the software "find_orb" but it seems like I should define a provisional designation in the input file. the problem I just have the dates, RA & declinations for the observations

and I don't understand how to define the designation for this,
does anyone has any idea or knows any another simple software
it would be best if someone could help me :D
 
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Hi

I'd never heard of find_orb, but I used to use a software (Linux-based) program called find_burst that located different stars or other stellar phenomenon based on their location and light curve variations. Their "location" was merely a field of the sky that the telescope was programmed to observe, and really didn't depend on the RA or Dec.
 

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