Software Bisque Knowledge Base Article – 1234

How Do I Update a Comet in TheSkyX?

ISSUE

I want to update the orbital elements for a comet (for example, comet ISON).  How can this be done?

RESOLUTION

TheSkyX allows you to import the latest comet orbital elements directly from the web, or from a text file.  Each method is described below:

Method I

Download the observable comets:

1. Click the Small Solar System Bodies command from the Input menu.
2. Click the Comets tab.
3. Click the Observable button. 

The latest orbital elements data for all observable comets is downloaded from the Minor Planet Center web page.  Each comet is listed in the Comet List on the Comets tab of the Small Solar System Bodies window.

Method II

Download the comet by name (more specifically, the comet's Minor Planet Center designation).  We'll use comet ISON for this example:

1. Click the Small Solar System Bodies command from the Input menu.
2. Click the Comets tab.
3. Click the By Name button.  
4. Enter C/2012 S1 into the Enter One or More Names text box and click OK.  (C/2012 S1 is the MPC designation for comet ISON).

Method III (Advanced)

Import the comet orbital elements from an ASCII text file.

1. Click the Small Solar System Bodies command from the Input menu.
2. Click the Comets tab.
3. Click the From File button.  
4. Choose the text file that contains the orbital elements for the comet or comets to import and click the Open button.

Each comet is listed in the Comet List on the Comets tab of the Small Solar System Bodies window.

To Find a Comet the Sky Chart:

1. Click the Find command from the Edit menu.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Type C/2012 S1 and click Find.  The comet's “full” name, C/2012 S1 (ISON) appears in the drop down list on the Find text box.  Choose it from the list if you want.
4. Click the Center or Frame buttons to center the comet on the Sky Chart. 

APPLIES TO

• TheSkyX Student Edition.
• TheSkyX Serious Astronomer Edition
• TheSkyX Professional Edition

SBKB;comet;orbital elements;update;C/2012 S1;ISON;