Format for positions

dmbrierley@taz.dra.hmg.gb
Thu, 5 Feb 1998 15:09:30 +0000

Dear SeeSaters,

At the moment different observers use different methods for reporting 
accurate positions.  Can I suggest that the following coding is 
recognised as a standard on SeeSat?  It has been in use for over 30 
years by mainly UK and European observers reporting to the RGO
(Royal Greenwich Observatory) at Herstmonceux.  Those of you who 
receive Peter Wakelin's observations will recognise it.

======================================================
CODING FOR "RGO" POSITIONAL REPORTS

Decimal points are omitted.
x=sign (+ is optional).

Bytes:
1-7	COSPAR International Designator in numerical form,
	e.g. 6710402.  Use letters for fragments >99.
8-11	COSPAR Site number
12-17	Date (YYMMDD)
18-27	Time UT (HHMMSSssss)
28-32	Time accuracy (Sssss)
33	Time standard used: 1=radio, 2=phone
34	Coordinate system used in bytes 35-54
If byte 34=1
35-42	RA (HHMMSSss)
43-50	Dec (xDDMMSSs)
51-54	Angular accuracy (SSSs)
If byte 34=2
35-42	RA (HHMMmmmm)
43-50	Dec (xDDMMmmm)
51-54	Angular accuracy (MMmm)
If byte 34=3
35-42	RA (HHMMmmmm)
43-50	Dec (xDDddddd)
51-54	Angular accuracy (Dddd)
55	Epoch: 4=1950.0, 5=2000.0
56-63	Range (for radar observations)
64-68	Range accuracy (ditto)
69-71	Max brightness (xMm or Mmm) during a period of
about a minute centred on the observation
72-74	Min brightness (xMm, Mmm or "INV" if invisible)
75-79	Flash period or period of regular variation (SSSss)
80	Appearance: S=steady, I=irregular, R=Regular variation
	F=Flashing, E=in Eclipse

Extracted from "The Reporting of Satellite Observations"
(1973), Radio and Space Research Station, Slough, England.

David Brierley
Malvern, Worcestershire, UK
Station 2675, 52.1358N, 2.3264W, 70m