The Double Star Calculator – Orbital Elements generates an orbit diagram and a corresponding ephemeris table showing separation and position angle of a double star, based on orbital elements.
There are two ways to calculate the ephemeris and generate the orbit diagram. The easiest method (Option 1) is to enter the discoverer code of a double star listed in the WDS Sixth Catalog of Orbits of Visual Binary Stars and click the [SUBMIT DATA] button. The tool will search the catalog for the discoverer code and, if a matching entry is found, extract the necessary data and calculate the orbit. The alternative method (Option 2) is to manually enter all required data into the form below. This offers greater flexibility regarding the input. If Option 1 is selected and orbital elements are also entered in the fields of Option 2, the manually entered elements will overwrite those retrieved from the Sixth Catalog. The field Current Epoch is used to calculate an ephemeris entry for the specified epoch. If the Current Epoch field is left empty, the system date will be converted and used instead.
Simply press [SUBMIT DATA] to see how the tool works. Use [CLEAR ALL] to empty the input fields and prepare for new orbital elements, or click [RESTORE DEFAULT] to reload the default data for the double star STF 1110 AB (Castor). A detailed description is available in the Double Star Calculations Help - Orbital Elements.