Orbit parameters transformation

[ajtribick]

I'm trying to create a .ssc file for the planets of PSR B1257+12, using the information given at http://www.obspm.fr/encycl/1257+12.html, however I think these are given in the plane of the sky rather than the ecliptic, how do I convert these to ecliptic plane parameters?

Also for PSR B1620-26.

One further thing, what is a typical visual magnitude for a pulsar (outside the beam area)?

[granthutchison]

I've written an Excel spreadsheet for the orbit conversion. Get it here:
http://www.lns.cornell.edu/~seb/celestia/hutchison/spreadsheets.html#3

Grant

[norm.shaw]

Grant... I'd just like to say thanks a lot for your spreadsheet "Panorama positioning: panorama.xls". I've been trying to position a shuttle launching from Kennedy - pulling my hair out trying to figure out the correct input. With your calculations, I was able to place it just where I wanted.



Thanks again!

-Norm

[ajtribick]

Thanks for that, now I just have to convert the T_peri to standard calendar, only problem is that I'm not sure how to do that.

Mainly because its given in MJD, and I am fairly certain that MJD does not stand for mega-Julian Days because that gives really stupid results. At least with this converter.

[granthutchison]

MJD (modified Julian days) = Julian days - 2400000.5

Grant

[ajtribick]

Thanks

[granthutchison]

Thanks again!

Thanks for the thanks. Sometimes I wonder if anyone ever downloads these things.

Grant

[granthutchison]

One further thing, what is a typical visual magnitude for a pulsar (outside the beam area)?

Ah, I knew I'd worked this out already, to give a neutron star with a 10km radius: here it is.

Grant