Plotting the orbits of the planets from Ephemeris data

  • #1
Jor
1
0
TL;DR Summary
plotting the position of planets. Describe the orbits of the planets.
Using Ephemeris data from the JPL Horizons System.
I would like to plot the position of planets around the Sun for different dates and describe their orbits.
I got the Ephemeris data for each planet from the JPL Horizons System, I got:

Date__(UT)__HR:MN R.A.___(ICRF)___DEC Ang-diam ObsSub-LON ObsSub-LAT ObsEcLon ObsEcLat

however I could not figure out how to plot the orbit since I did not get any distance.
I would like to obtain dates, distance from the sun and the corresponding latitude to plot the 2D orbits.
I understand these the coordinate system of the JPL Ephemeris are centered at the barycenter of the Solar System, so in principle I would not need a coordinate transformation.

Any ideas or suggestions on how to get the data needed to plot the orbits?
Cheers,
Jor
 
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  • #2
You need to edit the table settings and choose heliocentric distance. This will be the objects distance from the Sun. You can also choose the observer distance. You should see the following columns added:

r__rdot__delta__deldot

with r being the objects distance to the sun, delta being the observers distance.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Plotting the orbits of the planets from Ephemeris data

What is Ephemeris data and how is it used to plot planetary orbits?

Ephemeris data consists of tables or datasets that provide the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at given times. It includes information such as the coordinates of planets, their velocities, and other orbital elements. This data is used to calculate and plot the positions of planets on a given date by applying Kepler's laws of planetary motion and other relevant astronomical equations.

What tools or software are commonly used for plotting planetary orbits from Ephemeris data?

Common tools and software for plotting planetary orbits include programming languages and libraries such as Python with libraries like Astropy and Skyfield, as well as dedicated astronomical software like Stellarium, Celestia, and NASA's JPL Horizons system. These tools allow users to input Ephemeris data and visualize the orbits of planets.

How do you convert Ephemeris data into a visual representation of planetary orbits?

To convert Ephemeris data into a visual representation, you first need to parse the data to extract the necessary orbital elements. Then, using these elements, you apply mathematical models to compute the positions of the planets at various points in time. Finally, you plot these positions on a coordinate system, typically using software or programming libraries that support graphical plotting.

What are the main challenges in accurately plotting planetary orbits using Ephemeris data?

The main challenges include the precision of the Ephemeris data, the complexity of gravitational interactions between multiple bodies, and the need for accurate timekeeping. Additionally, converting spherical coordinates (used in Ephemeris data) to Cartesian coordinates (used in plotting) requires careful mathematical transformations to maintain accuracy.

How often does Ephemeris data need to be updated for accurate orbital plotting?

Ephemeris data needs to be updated regularly to account for the dynamic nature of planetary motions and gravitational influences from other celestial bodies. For most practical purposes, updated Ephemeris data is available on a daily or even hourly basis. However, for high-precision applications, such as spacecraft navigation, the data might need to be updated more frequently.

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