(2025-07-15, 05:52 PM)theskyhound Wrote:(2025-07-15, 05:19 PM)PMSchu Wrote: Hi Greg,
The current epoch of osculation for the MPCORB data file is 2025 May 5 0000 UT, so it's already over 60 days old. Does the ASTORB data file offer the same option for 'Bright' MPs? I tend to stick with the MPCORB file because I use the MPC file for NEOs at Today's Epoch all the time.
PDC Skies,
Have you tried to observe any of the close approaching NEOs? The large NEO (35107) 1991 VH is currently 15.1 magnitude in Cepheus traveling at 4"/minute.
Phil S.
The options are right there on the dialog
ASTORB is preferred for everything except NEOs, because the MPC only bothers to update the orbits for most regular asteroids every 6 months. After six months many of these plot so far from their actual position that its obvious in the eyepiece. Its a sad state of affairs.
ASTORB used to update the epoch daily, which was awesome, but the time between updates keeps getting longer. Its not nearly as bad as every six months though.
Good to know.