simbad-resolver's Introduction

TargetResolver

This is a simple Java interface, developed for the PANIC instrument, to the SIMBAD name resolver. The database is queried and the information about the astronomical object, if found, returned as a TargetInformation instance. This object, in turn, can be used to plot, using Staralt, the altitude of the object against time in a particular night. By default, altitudes are plotted for tonight and the Calar Alto Observatory, where PANIC is to be commissioned.

Example: M101

Fetch the information of the Pinwheel Galaxy, and download its Staralt plot:

try {
    TargetResolver resolver = new TargetResolver();
    TargetInformation info = resolver.submit("M101");
    System.out.println(info);

    Staralt staralt = new Staralt();
    File plot = staralt.plot(info); /* At CAHA, today */
    System.out.println();
    System.out.println("Staralt plot saved to: " + plot.getAbsolutePath());

    /* Do stuff with the plot */

    plot.deleteOnExit(); /* don't clutter the temporary directory */

} catch (TargetNotFoundException e) {
    System.out.println("not found!");
} catch (SIMBADQueryException e) {
    System.out.println("connection failed");

The output would look something like this:

Name: M101
Type: Interacting Galaxies
RA: 14 03 12.51 (210.802120)
DEC: +54 20 53.1 (54.348080)
Epoch: J2012 | Equinox: 2000
Reference system: ICRS
Proper motions: null null

Staralt plot saved to: /tmp/staralt_4441903800833962906.gif

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