Format for positions
dmbrierley@taz.dra.hmg.gb
Thu, 5 Feb 1998 15:09:30 +0000
Dear SeeSaters,
At the moment different observers use different methods for reporting
accurate positions. Can I suggest that the following coding is
recognised as a standard on SeeSat? It has been in use for over 30
years by mainly UK and European observers reporting to the RGO
(Royal Greenwich Observatory) at Herstmonceux. Those of you who
receive Peter Wakelin's observations will recognise it.
======================================================
CODING FOR "RGO" POSITIONAL REPORTS
Decimal points are omitted.
x=sign (+ is optional).
Bytes:
1-7 COSPAR International Designator in numerical form,
e.g. 6710402. Use letters for fragments >99.
8-11 COSPAR Site number
12-17 Date (YYMMDD)
18-27 Time UT (HHMMSSssss)
28-32 Time accuracy (Sssss)
33 Time standard used: 1=radio, 2=phone
34 Coordinate system used in bytes 35-54
If byte 34=1
35-42 RA (HHMMSSss)
43-50 Dec (xDDMMSSs)
51-54 Angular accuracy (SSSs)
If byte 34=2
35-42 RA (HHMMmmmm)
43-50 Dec (xDDMMmmm)
51-54 Angular accuracy (MMmm)
If byte 34=3
35-42 RA (HHMMmmmm)
43-50 Dec (xDDddddd)
51-54 Angular accuracy (Dddd)
55 Epoch: 4=1950.0, 5=2000.0
56-63 Range (for radar observations)
64-68 Range accuracy (ditto)
69-71 Max brightness (xMm or Mmm) during a period of
about a minute centred on the observation
72-74 Min brightness (xMm, Mmm or "INV" if invisible)
75-79 Flash period or period of regular variation (SSSss)
80 Appearance: S=steady, I=irregular, R=Regular variation
F=Flashing, E=in Eclipse
Extracted from "The Reporting of Satellite Observations"
(1973), Radio and Space Research Station, Slough, England.
David Brierley
Malvern, Worcestershire, UK
Station 2675, 52.1358N, 2.3264W, 70m