Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!mcnc!ecsgate!stat.appstate.edu!grs999910117 From: grs999910117@stat.appstate.edu Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds Subject: RE: Sky on Compuserve Message-ID: <1991Jun10.225842.871@stat.appstate.edu> Date: 11 Jun 91 02:58:41 GMT References: Organization: Appalachian State University Lines: 32 In article , TDSTRONG%MTUS5.cts.mtu.edu@VM1.NoDak.EDU (Tim Strong) writes: > If this program is available on hp's ftp sites I can't find it. > Does anyone know where to find it??? > > Incidentally, I have written a piece of code to locate the positions > of the planets in equatorial coordinates to within a few minutes. I have > questions about it: > > 1) Does anyone give a crap? > > 2) I used a method shown in a book called Practical Astronomy with Your > Calculator by Peter-Duffet Smith. He only gives methods not code so > if I post it is it a violation of Copyright Law????? I don't think it > is but I'd like a confirming view or two. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > __ > I__) _ _I _ _ Tim Strong > I \ (_I (_I (_I I Michigan Tech. Houghton, Michigan, U.S.A. SKY isn't available via ftp, but attached to a message in the user.programs conference. And I would be very happy to see your code. I am going to try to write a program this summer to determine orbital elements of a comet given some positions, or vice versa (inspired by Orbits for Amateurs with Microcomputers - mostly because my astromechanics professor said it would be pointless to write such a program for a "calculator"- it would only be worthwhile for a PC or such- right!) I tend to agree with you - these are algorithms and not code and therefore I don't believe it would be a violation of copyright law. If you decide not to post, how about sending them email? William grs999910117@stat.appstate.edu