This software retrieves the orbit data of comets and asteroids in the MPC format, and enables the user to store it in various formats.
If you're looking for a way to retrieve comet and asteroid orbital data in MPC format, MpcReader is a great option. This open source software is free to download and use, and it's written in pure JAVA. Just make sure you have JAVA installed on your computer before you try to use it.
Once you have MpcReader up and running, you can use it to store orbital data for all software packages available on the MPC site. It even converts plain MPC data to the format needed for KStars. This means you can fetch data for observable comets, critical-list numbered minor planets, distant minor planets (including Centaurs and transneptunians), unusual minor planets (including NEOs), and bright minor planets at opposition.
MpcReader pulls all of its data from the Minor Planet Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), so you can trust that the information is accurate and up-to-date. The software can store the data in a variety of different formats, including MPC format, SkyMap, Guide, xephem, Home Planet, MyStars!, TheSky, Starry Night, Deep Space, PC-TCS, Earth Centered Universe, Dance of the Planets, MegaStar V4.x, SkyChart III, Voyager II, SkyTools, and Autostar.
One thing to keep in mind is that MpcReader is licensed and distributed under the terms of the MIT License. This means that while it's free to use and distribute, there are some restrictions on what you can do with the software. Overall, if you need a tool to help you retrieve and store comet and asteroid data, MpcReader is definitely worth checking out.
Once you have MpcReader up and running, you can use it to store orbital data for all software packages available on the MPC site. It even converts plain MPC data to the format needed for KStars. This means you can fetch data for observable comets, critical-list numbered minor planets, distant minor planets (including Centaurs and transneptunians), unusual minor planets (including NEOs), and bright minor planets at opposition.
MpcReader pulls all of its data from the Minor Planet Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), so you can trust that the information is accurate and up-to-date. The software can store the data in a variety of different formats, including MPC format, SkyMap, Guide, xephem, Home Planet, MyStars!, TheSky, Starry Night, Deep Space, PC-TCS, Earth Centered Universe, Dance of the Planets, MegaStar V4.x, SkyChart III, Voyager II, SkyTools, and Autostar.
One thing to keep in mind is that MpcReader is licensed and distributed under the terms of the MIT License. This means that while it's free to use and distribute, there are some restrictions on what you can do with the software. Overall, if you need a tool to help you retrieve and store comet and asteroid data, MpcReader is definitely worth checking out.
What's New
Version Alpha 2: N/A