Server to query for sun/planets elevation at a given datetime?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the availability of an online server or database that can be queried with the name of an astronomical object to retrieve altitude and other observational data. Various sources are mentioned, such as the JPL Horizons interface and the website Heavens-Above, but it is determined that they do not provide the exact information the speaker is looking for.
  • #1
dotancohen
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Is there an online server that one can query with the name of an astronomical object (specifically solar system objects) and return the altitude and other observational data? I'd like to query in an automated fashion in Java or PHP is possible.

If there is no such online service, is there a database that goes out a few years that one could download?

Thanks!
 
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  • #3
Thanks, Janus. I see that they have a telnet interface as well. Great!
 
  • #4
Another one is www.heavens-above.com. You choose your location, enter a date and time, and it can give you a whole sky chart. While it doesn't give you the exact azimuth and elevation, it helps you find things pretty well. However, it does give exact azimuth/elevation of man-made objects at a given time. One neat feature they have is a way to see when iridium "flares" will be visible from your location, and how bright they will be...
 
  • #5
Thanks, mp3car, but as you mentioned heavens-above does not provide what I'm looking for.
 

1. What is the purpose of querying for sun/planets elevation at a given datetime?

The purpose of querying for sun/planets elevation at a given datetime is to determine the height or angle of the sun or planets in the sky at a specific time. This information can be useful for various purposes such as astronomical research, predicting astronomical events, and navigation.

2. How accurate are the elevation measurements obtained from the server?

The accuracy of the elevation measurements depends on various factors such as the quality of data used, the location of the server, and the algorithms used to calculate the elevations. Generally, the measurements are accurate within a few degrees.

3. What is the source of data used by the server for calculating sun/planets elevation?

The server may use various sources of data such as satellite imagery, astronomical databases, and mathematical models to calculate the elevation of the sun and planets. The specific source may vary depending on the server and its capabilities.

4. Can the server also provide information on the positions of other celestial bodies?

Yes, depending on the capabilities of the server, it may be able to provide information on the positions of other celestial bodies such as stars, galaxies, and comets. This information can be useful for various astronomical research purposes.

5. Is the server accessible at all times to query for sun/planets elevation?

The accessibility of the server may vary depending on its location and any scheduled maintenance or downtime. However, most servers are designed to be accessible at all times to provide continuous data on sun/planets elevation.

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