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But, Cliff, the NOVAS algorithms _are_ the MICAS algorithms!! They have been
published by Kaplan, Hughes, Seidelmann, Smith and Yallop in The Astronomical
Journal Vol 97, 1989.

In fact, I used the MICA program on CD to verify the correctnes of my own Pascal
transscription of the NOVAS Fortran sources. In some cases - not always - I got
agreement to the last digit.

By the way, an alternative to NOVAS and Meeus that is _much_ faster to implement
than either of these is to get "Compact Data 2001-2005" from the HMNAO (e.g.
through Willmann-Bell). The CD rom contains polynomial  and Chebyshev
coefficients providing accuracy to 0.1' in ASCII. No source code, but the
accompanying book gives a cooking recipy to write your own almanac program, with
sight reduction and all. You also get a ready-to-use Windows implementation of
same that is invaluable for testing your own product. The data is sufficiently
compact to fit into a pocket calculator (e.g. HP 48).

Limitation: Only 4 planets, and only 59 stars. And in 2006 you will have to
shell out more money to the British Government for the next set of data.


Herbert

Cliff Sojourner wrote:

> Hal, thanks a big bunch.  I will pick up a copy of "Astronomical
> Algorithms".  MICA was first on my list to get the source code.  looks like
> I am going to have to use my noodle a little for this project.  don't know
> how I missed the NOVAS library, but that looks promising too.  again, thanks
> a big bunch.

   

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