Can't do a minor planet/comet - getting html error with empty debug output

Byron Miller · May 21, 2024

I'm getting an error if i try and target panstarrs c/2021 s3. I used the ephemeris service name of

CK21S030

and i validated the data in the linked service and i see it fetches the current postition but then when i click next i get:

Error message occurred getting telescopes. Error: Error. <html> <head> <title>Minor Planet Ephemerides</title> </head> <body> <h1>Minor Planet Ephemerides</h1> <a href="https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/info/MissingNames.html">No object found with the name</a> CK2, please reenter it (or use the designation). DEBUG = ** [ ][ ] </body> </html>

ERNESTO GUIDO · May 21, 2024

Hi Byron,

I noticed recently that for a few comets we are receiving back an error from MPC when we automatically ask for ephemeris. We are investigated this issue.

As a a temporary fix please try the following:

Select "Comet, asteroid or other solar system body" and write the following in the field:

2021 S3

Then click on the "Retrieve Ephemeris" button.

Once you have the result please be sure to to cancel the empty spaces before the "CK21S030" in the Ephemerides (MPC 1-line). See attached image.

After that you can proceed to the next step and choose the available telescope.

Clear Skies,

Ernesto

ERNESTO GUIDO · May 21, 2024

Of course, another easy way to schedule a comet or asteroid observation is to try entering the coordinates yourself calculated for a particular date/time and schedule the obs on the calendar accordingly using the CUSTOM SCHEDULING (you can get the comet coordinates for example from the Minor Planet Center website). Just insert the COMET NAME in the first field (Stars, galaxies or nebulae) and insert RA and DEC.

Just as a reminder, my suggestion for all comet/asteroid observations (even the ones with automatic retrieve of the ephemerides) is to use CUSTOM SCHEDULING instead of the Automated one. (With the automated scheduling, you may find that half your observing is done on one day and the other half on the following days. While this is OK for a galaxy or nebula, it is not recommended for moving objects).

Clear Skies,

Ernesto

Byron Miller · May 21, 2024

yeah, i saw that June 6th was the soonest i could schedule, so i got the coordinates for then - but thanks for helping guide me to the address the error by removing a white space that seemed to come in. I did select custom schedule, selected a time box and put the coordinates in. look forward to capturing the data

Phil Misiowiec · September 24, 2024

Hi,

I tried the manual approach for C/2023 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS using the current RA and DEC shown on https://theskylive.com/c2023a3-info. However, getting the "No TELESCOPES AVAILABLE" message on the second page. Is there a minimum altitude that triggers the telescope selection? I'm already seeing social media photos shared from Chile and Australia so was hoping to schedule an advanced request as I have hills blocking the horizon even during the upcoming optimal window in October.

Thanks!

Phil

Phil Misiowiec · September 24, 2024

FYI - to get the RA/DEC, I set Skylive to the location of the Chile scopes (30.4725S, 70.7500W) and targeted the morning, right before sunrise.

Phil Misiowiec · September 24, 2024

Update:

I might have answered my question. I noticed the telescopes specs pages list 30 degrees as the minimum height.

Edited September 24, 2024 by Phil Misiowiec

ERNESTO GUIDO · September 25, 2024

Hello Phil,

I wrote a comment about the visibility of comet C/2023 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS here:

Clear Skies,

Ernesto

Can't do a minor planet/comet - getting html error with empty debug output

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