MPECsort Application Under Construction - NEW Version soon!

[drclay]

Because of changes at the Minor Planet Center, the database that the on-line MPECsort used for monthly computations of Apollo, Aten, Amor, Unusual and Distant minor planets is no longer operable.

With Keith Yohn, I have been working daily since December to provide a NEW link that will include DAILY (not monthly) updates that will improve the accuracy of user computations and GO TOs for acquiring these objects as well as currently visible comets.

Keith has been working diilgently the past few days, as has Gareth Williams and Timothy Spahr, both of the MPC, to get the new link accessible for the program.  Once available, the new and improved MPECsort will be available to be updated daily with new entries and current epochs immediately after each night's 2 a.m. release of the MPC Daily Orbit Update (DOU).

Hopefully this will be available within the next week, so thank you for your patience.  We already have a beta version in testing that appears to work quite well.
We will announce with the new version is uploaded.

NOTE that currently the MPECsort program that is in place is operational, but must go back to the MPEC updates that were issued for October 18, 2011 epoch, so I do NOT recommend using that data.

The comet information however, is current and correct as given via MPECsort.

Dr. Clay

[lindendave]

The efforts being applied to fix the ability for amateurs to continue to observe NEOs is greatly appreciated, I know dealing with the MPC has unique challenges. I personally felt that when the MPC decided to not post those databases they were trying to discourage observations by amateurs. It is too bad that it seems in the entire world there is only one entity that can provide such valuable and needed data.

[drclay]

....have no fear.....I believe that a new database is now in place and available to ASO via the MPECsort program.
Keith is testing this now and we hope to be able to offer the new upgrade within days, if not sooner.

I have tested the beta version of the new database from MPC via the MPECsort program and it appears that we are soon to be back in business.

Thanks for your patience; I do agree that it is very discouraging to have to beg to voluntarily provide information that is vitally needed.

[keiffer6]

I just published version 4.0.0.1 of MPEC Sort. Please let me know if you experience any issues or problems.