AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00










USER'S MANUAL
FOR
ASTROSOFT COMPUTERIZED EPHEMERIS (ACE)

Version 1.00



A General-Purpose Astronomy Software Package
Supporting a Variety of Astronomy-Related Applications

For the IBM Personal Computer and True Compatibles









Copyright 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 AstroSoft, Inc.
Post Office Box 4451, Hayward, CA 94540-4451
All Rights Reserved.

























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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------

INTRODUCTION
THE CONFIGURATIONS SUPPORTED
GETTING HARDCOPY
THE ACE DISKETTES
THE ACE INSTALLATION PROGRAM (INSTALL)
THE THREE PARTS OF ACE

PART I: ASTRONOMICAL EPHEMERIS (ACECALC)
General Principles
Options
The Sun
The Moon
The Planets
Eclipses
Astrophotography Exposures
Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day
Precession of Coordinates
Phases of the Moon
Equinoxes and Solstices
Galilean Satellites of Jupiter
Perpetual Calendar
Polaris
DOS Shell
Exit

PART II: SOLAR SYSTEM DATA (ACESOLAR)

General Principles
Options
Orbital/Physical (Sun/Planets)
Orbital/Physical (Satellites)
Descriptive Data (Sun/Planets)
Observational Data (Sun/Planets)
Music Off/On
Exit

PART III: SKY CATALOG (ACECAT)

General Principles
Search Options
Catalog Number
Name
Starting R.A./Ending R.A.
Starting Declination/Ending Declination
Object Type
Display Commentary
Hardcopy
File Options
Full Catalog
Messier Catalog
Named Objects
Bright Stars


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


Double Stars
DOS Shell
Exit

APPENDIX A: Input Error Messages

Part I: Astronomical Ephemeris
Part III: Sky Catalog

APPENDIX B: Known Problems and Limitations

APPENDIX C: Technical Information on Part I

The Sun
The Moon
The Planets
Eclipses
Astrophotography Exposures
Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day
Precession of Coordinates
Phases of the Moon
Equinoxes and Solstices
Galilean Satellites of Jupiter
Perpetual Calendar
Polaris

APPENDIX D: Musical Selections Used in Part II

APPENDIX E: Information Displayed in Part III

Atlas Catalog, Messier Catalog, Named Objects
Bright Stars
Double Stars

APPENDIX F: Acknowledgments

APPENDIX G: The User-Supported Software Concept

APPENDIX H: Limited License

APPENDIX I: How to Register Your Copy for Enhancements and
Support















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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


INTRODUCTION
------------

Welcome to the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris, or ACE for
short. ACE is a general-purpose astronomy software package
consisting of three separate parts, each supporting a variety of
astronomy-related applications for the IBM Personal Computer and
true compatibles.

Part I of ACE (Astronomical Ephemeris) performs the most needed
astronomical calculations, involving the sun, the moon, the
planets, eclipses, astrophotography exposures, mean sidereal time
and Julian Day, precession of coordinates, phases of the moon,
equinoxes and solstices, Galilean satellites of Jupiter,
perpetual calendar, and Polaris. It achieves an accuracy in
calculations that is comparable to those contained in the
ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC and is more comprehensive and convenient,
for astronomical observing purposes, than the FLOPPY ALMANAC.

Part II of ACE (Solar System Data) provides, for all the planets
and satellites of the solar system, orbital and physical data, as
well as descriptive and observational data.

Part III of ACE (Sky Catalog) provides data on over 2000 deep-sky
objects, the entire Messier Catalog, 100 named objects, all
bright stars to magnitude 2.00, and 100 prominent double stars,
with detailed commentary on nearly 400 of these objects. Objects
may be searched for on the basis of one criterion or by a
combination of criteria.

Now, to tell you a little about ourselves. AstroSoft is a
nonprofit, tax-exempt educational and scientific organization,
which includes among its activities the offering of software
intended primarily for educational and scientific institutions.
We are two dedicated amateur astronomers and computer
professionals (a software engineer and a senior systems analyst)
who devote our spare time to this effort.

This version of the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris represents
its first public release, and as such it must be considered
somewhat experimental; it certainly is not a finished product.
Improvements and enhancements will be made to the software, bugs
will be fixed, and inconvenient features will be changed.

We encourage you to participate in this process by relaying to us
your comments, criticisms, and suggestions. We especially
welcome your reports of any problems, your suggestions for
improvements, and your recommendations for enhancements. We
would also like you to advise us of any errors you notice in the
datafiles for Parts II and III. We have made every effort to
proofread these files, but undoubtedly a few errors have escaped
our notice.

Finally, we ask that you respect the generosity of those generous
publishers (acknowledged in Appendix F) who have given their


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


permission to include certain copyrighted materials, by
refraining from using, copying, or distributing any of the
datafiles or any other individual files apart from the whole
software package, in accordance with the legal limitations of the
Limited License.

We are pleased to offer to you what we believe is the most
comprehensive astronomy package currently available from any
source, and we are planning new releases to make ACE even more
comprehensive and useful.



Jerry Gardner
Martin Morrison

AstroSoft, Inc.
Post Office Box 4451
Hayward, CA 94540-4451






































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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


CONFIGURATIONS SUPPORTED
------------------------

ACE runs on any IBM Personal Computer (PC, XT, or AT) or true
compatible with the following minimum configuration:

128 kilobytes of Random Access Memory (RAM)
1 double-sided floppy diskette drive
Monochrome monitor with monochrome display adapter (MDA)
or color monitor with color graphics adapter (CGA)
PC-DOS version 2.10 or above
Epson FX-80-compatible Parallel Printer

ACE may run on other configurations of IBM Personal Computers and
compatibles, but we have not tested it thoroughly on any other
configurations.

A special version of ACECALC is available for those systems with
a Mathematics Co-Processor. For further information about this
special version, you are invited to write to AstroSoft, Inc.





































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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


GETTING HARDCOPY
----------------

With a few exceptions, the ACE displays do not have a specific
print option. If you wish to print a screen to the printer you
designated during the ACE installation process, use one of the

shift keys in combination with the PrtSc key. Those displays
that have specific print options are mentioned in this
documentation at the appropriate point.
















































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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


THE ACE DISKETTES
-----------------

ACE is distributed on two double-sided, double-density diskettes
as follows:

Volume ACE1

ACECALC 000 Overlay file (ACECALC)
ACECALC COM The Astronomical Ephemeris Program
ACESOLAR EXE The Solar System Data Program
ASPECT DAT Planetary observational data (ACESOLAR)
DESCRIP DAT Planetary descriptive data (ACESOLAR)
HELP TXT Help screens (ACECALC)
INSTALL COM The Installation Program
PLAINF DAT Orbital/physical of planetary data (ACESOLAR)
SATINF DAT Orbital/physical satellite data (ACESOLAR)
SITE DAT User's Site Descriptor File
SUBMOD CHN Overlay file (ACECALC)
ACE DOC The ACE User's Manual (this file)

Volume ACE2

ACECAT COM The Sky Catalog Program (ACECAT)
DBLCAT DAT Double-star catalog (ACECAT)
DBLCOM DAT Double-star commentary (ACECAT)
DBLCOM NDX Double-star commentary index (ACECAT)
DEEPCAT DAT Deep-sky catalog (ACECAT)
DEEPCOM DAT Deep-sky commentary (ACECAT)
DEEPCOM NDX Deep-sky commentary index (ACECAT)
DEEPMES DAT Messier catalog (ACECAT)
DEEPNAM DAT Named objects catalog (ACECAT)
HELP2 TXT Help screens (ACECAT)
README Information about ACE
SITE DAT User's Site Descriptor File (ACECAT)
STARCAT DAT Bright-star catalog (ACECAT)
STARCOM DAT Bright-star commentary (ACECAT)
STARCOM NDX Bright-star commentary index (ACECAT)



















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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


THE ACE INSTALLATION PROGRAM
(INSTALL)
----------------------------

Before you begin using ACE, you must install it for your
particular observing site and computer equipment by entering
INSTALL at the DOS prompt and responding to the questions. Be
sure that the current drive/directory contain the INSTALL program
and the Site Descriptor File (SITE.DAT).

The Site Descriptor File, when installed, contains the following
information on your observing site and computer equipment:
longitude, latitude, time zone name, time zone, availability of a
printer, number of columns on printer, and installation name.

Once you have installed ACE for your particular observing site,
the Site Descriptor File is customized for your observing site.
You do not have to install ACE again, unless you wish to change
your local time from standard time to daylight-saving time or
vice versa. ACE assumes that your system clock is set to the
local time you enter.

If your system uses only a floppy diskette drive(s), after you
install (or reinstall) the Site Descriptor File, you must use the
DOS COPY command to copy the SITE.DAT file from volume ACE1 to
volume ACE2, as the programs on ACE2 must also have access to
this file. If your system uses a hard disk drive and you copy
both volumes ACE1 and ACE2 to one directory, this procedure is
not applicable.

Detailed help on the installation process is provided within the
program itself.

























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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


THE THREE PARTS OF ACE
----------------------

Each of ACE's three parts has its own menu. To select one of
these menus, enter the name of the main program at the DOS
prompt.

If your system uses only a floppy diskette drive(s), be sure that
the current drive contains the main program you select and all
associated files listed in "The ACE Diskettes" supra. You must
leave the appropriate volume in the current drive while the
program is running, so that ACE may have continuous access to the
files.

If your system uses a hard disk drive, you should copy both
volumes ACE1 and ACE2 to one directory. Be sure that this
directory is the current directory whenever you use ACE.

Part Name Main Program Volume
---- ---- ------------ ------

I Astronomical Ephemeris ACECALC ACE1
II Solar System Data ACESOLAR ACE1
III Sky Catalog ACECAT ACE2

When you enter the program name at the DOS prompt, ACE displays
the user-supported software screen, the title screen, and the
menu for the part of ACE you selected.





























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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


PART I: ASTRONOMICAL EPHEMERIS
(ACECALC)
-------------------------------

The Part I menu displays the Universal Time; the local date,
time, and time-zone name; the Julian Day; the Local Mean Sidereal
Time; and the installation name you designated during the ACE
installation process. The time displays are updated every second
and are accurate only to the degree that you set the system time.

Use the menu to select one of the options or an exit to the DOS
level. The options are:

The Sun Phases of the Moon
The Moon Equinoxes and Solstices
The Planets Galilean Satellites of Jupiter
Eclipses Perpetual Calendar
Astrophotography Exposures Polaris
Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day DOS Shell
Precession of Coordinates Exit

Use the Spacebar or the Arrow Keys to move the shaded bar to
select an option; then hit the Enter key. ACE then displays the
screen for the option you select have selected. If at the menu
level you need a description of any of the options, hit the H key
for help.



General Principles
------------------

1. ENTER THE FULL YEAR. Be sure to enter all the digits of the
year you choose. For example, if you intend 1985, enter "1985";
the "19" is NOT assumed.

Enter years A.D. without a sign or with a plus-sign (+). Enter
years B.C. with a minus-sign (-). If you enter the non-existent
year 0, ACE displays an error message and allows you to correct
your entry.

2. OBSERVE THE "WAIT" MESSAGE. ACE displays a "WAIT" message in
the upper right corner of the screen during long calculations.
Avoid hitting any keys while ACE displays this message.

3. HIT THE ENTER KEY AT THE FIRST ENTRY FIELD TO RETURN TO THE
MENU. Return to the menu by hitting the Enter key when the
cursor is positioned at the first entry field.

4. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LINE UP ENTRIES UNDER THE FIELD HEADINGS.
Just leave at least one space between each field, enter the
fields in the order indicated in the headings, and hit the Enter
key after the last field. ACE allocates your entries to the
appropriate field for you.



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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


5. USE DEFAULTS TO SPEED ENTRIES. For most options, ACE stores
the values you entered for the previous set of calculations.
When you enter a new set, you need only enter values (in the
order of the headings) up to the point when the rest are the same
as in the previous set. Then hit the Enter key, and ACE
automatically supplies the previous values for the rest of the
fields.

6. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CASE. ACE doesn't check input
for case. Therefore, you are allowed to make entries in any
combination of uppercase and lowercase characters. For example,
"MARS", "mars", or "Mars" are equivalent.

7. NAMES OF PLANETS MAY BE ABBREVIATED. When you enter the name
of a planet, you need only enter enough of the name to
distinguish it from the name of any other planet. For example,
"Me" is sufficient to distinguish Mercury from Mars.

8. CTRL/R MAY BE USED TO RETRIEVE THE PREVIOUS ENTRY. When ACE
returns the cursor to the entry area after displaying one set of
calculations under an option, you may hit Ctrl/R to retrieve the
entry you previously made. You may then edit the entry and/or
hit Enter.

9. DO NOT USE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD FOR ENTRY. To enable use of the
arrow keys in the menu, the numeric keypad is disabled for
numeric entry. Use of the numeric keypad generates spurious
characters.



Options
-------

The Sun
-------

Use this option to find, for the date and time you enter, the
sun's position (right ascension and declination), altitude and
azimuth, nutation in longitude and obliquity, times of sunrise
and sunset, and times of beginning and ending of morning and
evening astronomical twilight (the time when the upper limb of
the sun is 18 degrees below the true horizon).

Example entry format:

Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec
1 1 1986 12 0 0



The Moon
--------

Use this option to find, for the date and time you enter, the


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


moon's position (right ascension and declination), altitude and
azimuth, horizontal parallax (the angle subtended by the earth as
seen from the moon), distance from the earth, semi-diameter,
illuminated fraction, and times of moonrise and moonset.

Example entry format:

Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec
1 1 1986 12 0 0



The Planets
-----------

Use this option to find, for the date, time, and planet you
enter, the position (right ascension and declination), altitude
and azimuth, distance from the earth, elongation, semi-diameter,
illuminated fraction, and times of rising and setting (in
chronological order). At this time, if you enter "Pluto," ACE
displays an error message.

Example entry format:

Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec Planet
1 1 1986 0 0 0 Mars



Eclipses
--------

Use this option to list, for the month or year you enter, the
circumstances of any solar and lunar eclipses visible from any
location. After you enter a month and year, you may list
eclipses for that month/year combination by entering "M" or for
that entire year by entering "Y." For each eclipse, ACE lists
the UT date and time of the eclipse, the type of eclipse, and the
magnitude. For total lunar eclipses, ACE lists a more complete
list of timings comprising beginning of partial phase, beginning
of total phase, maximum eclipse, end of total phase, and end of
partial phase.

The possible types of solar eclipses are total, annular, annular-
total, and partial. The types of lunar eclipses are total,
partial (umbral), and penumbral.

Example entry format:

Month Year List [(M)onth, (Y)ear]
1 1986 Y






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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


Astrophotography Exposures
--------------------------

Use this option to calculate, for the information you enter,
exposure times and image sizes needed in lunar and planetary
photography. You may obtain the values for object diameter (twice
the semi-diameter) and phase (illuminated fraction) from "The
Moon" or "The Planets" options. At this time, a planet's
magnitude and phase must be obtained from a current issue of
ASTRONOMY or SKY & TELESCOPE.

After displaying the result of the calculations, ACE redisplays
the values you entered for that set of calculations except for
the first field, which is blank. After you enter a value for
this field, the cursor moves to the next field, erasing the value
that was displayed there previously. At this point you may hit
the Enter key to accept the value previously displayed for that
field or enter a new value. The same process is then repeated for
each subsequent field. Be sure to check the value of the next
field before you hit the Enter key to remind yourself of its
previous value.

Example entry format:

Object Name: Mars
Objective Diameter: 200
Focal Length (same units as diameter): 2000
Film Speed (ISO): 100
Object Diameter (" of arc): 30
Magnitude: -2.5
Phase (0-1): 0.95
Filter Factor (1 = no filter): 1



Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day
---------------------------------

Use this option to find, for the date, time, right ascension, and
declination you enter, the Universal Time, Julian Day Number,
Greenwich Mean Sidereal Time, Local Mean Sidereal Time, hour
angle, altitude, azimuth, airmass (the ratio of atmospheric
interference looking toward the object as compared to that
looking toward the zenith, on a scale of 1 to infinity, with
"***" indicating an object below the horizon), rise, and set. A
message will be displayed if the object is circumpolar from your
observing site.

Example entry format:

Right Ascension Declination
Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec Hrs Min Sec Deg Min Sec
1 1 1986 20 0 0 0 40 0 41 40 0




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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00



Precession of Coordinates
-------------------------

Use this option to precess forward or backward, for the epochs
you enter, the coordinates of an object.

Example entry format:

From What Epoch? 1950
To What Epoch? 2000

Right Ascension Declination
Hrs Min Sec Deg Min Sec
0 40 0 41 40 0



Phases of the Moon
------------------

Use this option to find, for the month and year you enter, the
dates and times of each phase of the moon.

Example entry format:

Month Year
1 1986



Equinoxes and Solstices
-----------------------

Use this option to find, for the year you enter, the UT dates and
times of the beginnings of the four seasons of the year.

Example entry format:

Year
1986



Galilean Satellites of Jupiter
-------------------------------

Use this option to plot graphically the relative positions of the
four Galilean satellites of Jupiter. The display starts at the
date and time entered. Each subsequent display, updated at a rate
set by your computer's speed (about one display per second),
shows to scale the satellites' positions relative to the x-axis
for the update interval you enter. For example, an update
interval of "60" displays the positions as they would appear each
hour. An update interval of "0" displays the positions for only


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


the date and time entered.

Example entry format:

Month Day Year Hrs Min Sec Update Interval (Minutes)
1 1 1986 21 0 0 60



Perpetual Calendar
------------------

Use this option to display, for the month and year in the
Gregorian calendar you enter, the calendar for that month. You
may optionally request a printout of the calendar on the
printer you designated during the ACE installation process.

Example entry format:

Month Year Hardcopy[Y/N]
1 1986 N



Polaris
-------

Use this option to find, for the month, day, and year you
enter, the times of the culminations and elongations of Polaris.

Example entry format:

Month Day Year
1 1 1986



DOS Shell
---------

Use this option to execute DOS commands without leaving ACE. To
return to ACE, type "EXIT" at the DOS prompt.



Exit
----

Use this option when you want to exit from the menu and return to
the DOS prompt.







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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


PART II: SOLAR SYSTEM DATA
(ACESOLAR)
---------------------------

The Part II menu displays the local date and time, updated
approximately every second and accurate only to the degree that
you set the system time.

Use the menu to select one of the options or an exit to the DOS
level. The options are:

Orbital/Physical (Sun/Planets) Observational Data (Sun/Planets)
Orbital/Physical (Satellites) Music Off/On
Descriptive Data (Sun/Planets) Exit

Use the Spacebar to move the shaded bar to select an option; then
hit the Enter key. ACE then displays the screen for the option
you have selected.



General Principles
------------------

1. OBSERVE THE "WAIT" MESSAGE. ACE displays a "WAIT" message in
the upper right corner of the screen while loading datafiles.
Avoid hitting any keys while ACE displays this message.




Options
-------

Orbital/Physical (Sun/Planets)
------------------------------

Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select,
the following orbital and physical data for the object:

Sun or planet
Mean distance from sun (AU)
Mean distance from sun (x 10^6 km)
Sidereal period of revolution (y)
Synodic period of revolution (d)
Orbital period of revolution (y)
Synodic period of revolution (d)
Orbital eccentricity
Inclination of orbital plane relative to ecliptic (deg)
Longitude of node (deg)
Equatorial diameter (km)
Oblateness
Mass (1 earth unit = 5.977 x 10^24 kg)
Mean density (g/cm^3)
Surface gravity at pole (1 earth unit = 9.8 m/s^2)


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


Rotation period (d)
Escape speed at pole (km/s)
Inclination of equator to orbit (deg)
Albedo
Number of confirmed satellites

While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection
appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the
current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data,
hit the Enter key to return to the Sun/Planets Menu.



Orbital/Physical (Satellites)
-----------------------------

Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select,
the following orbital and physical data for the object's
satellites:

Sun or planet name
Name of satellite
Number of satellite
Diameter (km)
Mass (x 10^20 kg)
Density (Mg/m^3)
Mean distance from planet (x10^3 km)
Mean distance from planet (sec)
Revolutionary period (d)
Eccentricity
Orbital inclination (deg)
Apparent visual magnitude
Visual albedo
Discoverer
Year discovered

While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection
appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the
current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data for
the first satellite, hit the Enter key for the next listing. If
the listing just displayed is the last for the sun or planet
selected, ACE displays an appropriate message and automatically
returns to the Sun/Planets Menu.



Descriptive Data (Sun/Planets)
------------------------------

Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select,
general descriptive data for the object.

While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection
appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the
current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data,


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


hit the Enter key to return to the Sun/Planets Menu.



Observational Data (Sun/Planets)
--------------------------------

Use this option to display, for the sun or a planet you select,
observational data for viewing the object with the naked eye,
binoculars, and telescopes.

While the data are displayed, ACE plays a short musical selection
appropriate to the sun or planet you have selected (if the
current music state is on). After ACE has displayed the data,
hit the Enter key to return to the Sun/Planets Menu.



Music Off/On
------------

This option displays the current state of the musical
accompaniment, off or on. (When ACE is first run, the state is
set to on.) If you enter "Y" at the "Change?" prompt, the state
will be changed to the opposite state, and the new state will be
displayed before ACE returns to the Solar System Data Menu. If
you enter anything but "Y," the state will not be changed.



Exit
----

Use this option when you want to exit from the menu and return to
the DOS prompt.






















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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


PART III: SKY CATALOG
(ACECAT)
----------------------

The Part III menu displays the Universal Time; the local date,
time, and time-zone name; the Julian Day; the Local Mean Sidereal
Time; and the installation name you designated during the ACE
installation process. The time displays are updated every second
and are accurate only to the degree that you set the system time.

Use the menu to select one of the options or an exit to the DOS
level. The options are:

Search Options
File Options
DOS Shell
Exit

Use the Spacebar or the Arrow Keys to move the shaded bar to
select an option; then hit the Enter key. ACE then displays the
screen for the option you select have selected. If at the menu
level you need a description of any of the options, hit the H key
for help.



General Principles
------------------

1. OBSERVE THE "WORKING..." MESSAGE. ACE displays a "Working..."
message at the bottom of the screen during file searches. Avoid
hitting any keys while ACE displays this message. If you must
exit while the "Working..." message is still being displayed, you
may exit to the menu by hitting the Esc key.



Search Options
--------------

Use this option to search for objects in the currently-
selected file option.

A series of search options for the currently-selected file is
displayed, one by one. To restrict the search within the option
currently being displayed, you make an appropriate entry for that
option. If you do not wish to restrict the search within the
option currently being displayed, hit the Enter key, and no
object is excluded on the basis of its value for that option.

If you enter a unique value for an option (e.g., a catalog number
or an object name), ACE dispenses with displaying further search
options. To search for all objects in the currently-selected
file, hit the Enter key after every search option.



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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


You thus have the ability to perform simple or complex searches
by restricting your search within one option or within a
combination of options. For example, you may restrict your search
by type (e.g., planetary nebulae) or by a combination of type,
right ascension, and declination (e.g., planetary nebulae from
12-13 hours right ascension and 35-40 degrees declination).

If a search generates a list of more than sixteen objects, the
" Hit any key to continue or the Esc key to abort" message
is displayed. To see more, hit any key. This message appears
after each group of sixteen objects and after the last object.

If you wish to abort a search, hit the Esc key to display the
"* Aborted * Hit any key to continue" message. Then hit any key
to return to the menu.

If no object meets the search criteria you entered, the
"Object(s) not found" message appears, and ACE automatically
returns to the menu.

The search options are:



Catalog Number
--------------

In response to the Catalog Number option, hit Enter to default to
all catalog numbers, or enter the catalog number of an object
with a letter prefix indicating the catalog source. See Appendix
E under "Cat #" for a list of letter prefixes for each file.
Messier Catalog numbers with an "M" prefix may also be entered at
the Catalog Number option. Any blanks in the entry are ignored,
but upper case and lower case are distinguished (i.e., "M" for
Messier and "m" for Melcotte).



Name
----

In response to the Name option, hit Enter to default to all
common names, or enter the common name (Full Catalog, Messier
Catalog, and Named Objects files) or Bayer letter/Flamsteed
number (Bright Stars and Double Stars files) of an object. ACE
matches the name you enter with any entry containing that name.
For example, the entry "Dumbbell" matches both "Dumbbell" (M27)
and "Little Dumbbell" (M76).



Constellation
-------------

In response to the Constellation option, hit Enter to default to


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


all constellations, or enter the constellation name by its
International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter abbreviation.
You may also spell the name of the constellation out, in which
case you need include only the first three or more letters of the
constellation's name that identify it uniquely. If you do not
spell the name sufficiently to identify it uniquely, ACE uses the
first constellation name in alphabetical order that matches the
entry.

For example, to enter the constellation Aquila, you may enter its
abbreviation "AQL," or you may spell out "AQUI," "AQUIL," or
"AQUILA," all of which identify the constellation uniquely. If
you spell out only "AQU," ACE uses Aquarius, as Aquarius
precedes Aquila alphabetically.

ACE doesn't check constellation entries for case. Therefore, you
are allowed to make entries in any combination of uppercase and
lowercase characters. For example, "AQL," "aql," and "Aql" are
equivalent.



Right Ascension
---------------

In response to the Starting R.A./Ending R.A. option, hit Enter to
default to all right ascensions (00.0000 to 23.5959), or enter a
Starting R.A. and an Ending R.A., leaving only a space between
the two.

Right ascension is entered in the form HH.MMSS, where HH are the
hours (the leading zero may be omitted), MM are the minutes, and
SS are the seconds. SS or MMSS may be omitted; however, if you
do include MM or MMSS, you must not omit any leading zeroes.

If you enter a Starting R.A. greater than or equal to the Ending
R.A., ACE displays an error message and gives you an opportunity
to re-enter the information. If you enter only a Starting R.A.,
ACE defaults to all right ascensions.



Declination
-----------

In response to the Starting Declination/Ending Declination
option, hit Enter to default to all declinations (-90.0000 to
90.0000), or enter a Starting Declination and an Ending
Declination, leaving only a space between the two.

Declination is entered in the form DD.MMSS, where DD are the
degrees (the leading zero may be omitted), MM are the minutes,
and SS are the seconds. SS or MMSS may be omitted; however, if
you do include MM or MMSS, you must not omit any leading zeroes.



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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


If you enter a Starting Declination greater than or equal to the
Ending Declination, ACE displays an error message and gives you
an opportunity to re-enter the information. If you enter only a
Starting Declination, ACE defaults to all declinations.



Object Type
-----------

In response to the Object Type option, hit Enter to default to
all object types, or enter the object type (see Appendix E under
"Typ" for a list of entry values for each file).

External galaxies (analgalactic nebulae) may be selected as
object type "GLX" or according to their Hubble Classification
(e.g., "Sb"), when upper case and lower case are distinguished
"SB," e.g., is different from "Sb.").



Display Commentary
------------------

In response to the Display Commentary option, hit Enter (or enter
"N") to skip display of any available commentary on the objects
displayed as a result of the search, or enter "Y" to display
commentary for any or all of the objects. If you enter any other
response, ACE will reprompt.

If you enter "Y," any objects located during the search are
displayed in the usual manner. After all these objects have been
displayed and you hit any key in response to the " Hit any
key to continue" message, ACE displays a screen like the
following:

Next Object is M13
Hit ENTER to view commentary
Hit SPACEBAR to skip to next object
Hit ESC to return to menu

To view commentary for the Next Object listed, hit the Enter key.
To skip to the next object, hit the Spacebar. To return to the
menu, hit the Esc key. After you hit the Enter key, Spacebar, or
Esc key, the " Hit any key to continue" message is
displayed. Then hit any key to proceed to your selection.



Hardcopy
--------

In response to the Hardcopy option, hit Enter (or enter "N") if
you do not wish a hardcopy of the object listings and commentary
on the objects displayed as a result of the search, or enter "Y"


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


to print a hardcopy. If you enter any other response, ACE will
reprompt.

If you enter "Y," a hardcopy of any object listings and
commentary displayed on your screen during the search is
simultaneously printed on the printer you designated during the
ACE installation process. If your installed printer is not on
line, DOS will display the "Write fault error writing device"
message. At this point you may put your printer on line and
enter "R," and DOS will proceed to print.



File Options
------------

Use this option to select the file to be used in searches.

When you enter the Part III menu, ACE defaults to the Full
Catalog File Option. Before entering your Search Options, you
may select one of the other file options. The option you select
is used for subsequent searches until you select another option
or until you select Exit from the menu.

To select a file option, use the Spacebar or the Arrow Keys to
move the shaded bar to the option of your choice; then hit the
Enter key. ACE returns automatically to the menu.

The file options are:



Full Catalog
------------

This is a file of over 2000 deep-sky objects, including all 110
of the Messier Catalog objects and all J.L.E. Dreyer's NEW
GENERAL CATALOG and INDEX CATALOG objects as listed in Antonin
Becvar's ATLAS COELI 1950.0. Searches of this file are longest;
searches of the other files take considerably less time.



Messier Catalog
---------------

This file contains the 110 Messier Catalog objects.



Named Objects
-------------

This file contains about 100 objects having common names, e.g.,
"Ring" and "Owl."


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00





Bright Stars
------------

This file contains data for about 50 bright stars, comprising all
stars with magnitudes less than 2.00.



Double Stars
------------

This file contains data for about 100 prominent double stars.



DOS Shell
---------

Use this option to execute DOS commands without leaving ACE. To
return to ACE, type "EXIT" at the DOS prompt.



Exit
----

Use this option when you want to exit from the menu and return to
the DOS prompt.


























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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX A
----------

Input Error Messages
--------------------



Part I: Astronomical Ephemeris
-------------------------------

Text of Message Action to Take
--------------- --------------

Non-numeric input or number out of range Re-enter numerics
Month must be 1 to 12 Re-enter month
Day must be 1 to 31 Re-enter day
Year cannot be 0 Re-enter year
Hrs must be 0 to 23 Re-enter hours
Min must be 0 to 59 Re-enter minutes
Sec must be 0 to 59 Re-enter seconds
Ra Hrs must be 0 to 23 Re-enter Ra
Ra Min must be 0 to 59 " "
Ra Sec must be 0 to 59 " "
Dec Deg must be -90 to 90 Re-enter Dec
Dec Min must be 0 to 59 " "
Dec Sec must be 0 to 59 " "
Object must be a planet or the moon Re-enter object
Objective diameter must be greater than 0 Re-enter diameter
Focal length must be greater than 0 Re-enter F.L.
Film speed must be greater than 0 Re-enter speed
Object diameter must be greater than 0 Re-enter diameter
Phase must be between 0 and 1 Re-enter phase
Filter factor must be 1 or greater Re-enter factor
Range must be (M)onth or (Y)ear Select M or Y
Year out of range. Sorry, try again Try different year
Illegal argument for Arc Cosine Report this error
Illegal argument for Arc Sine Report this error
Possible inaccuracy in calculation Ignore (a warning)
Year must not be 0 Re-enter year
Object must be a planet, except Earth or Pluto Re-enter planet
Please respond Y or N Answer Y or N




Part III: Sky Catalog
----------------------

Text of Message Action to Take
--------------- --------------

Non-numeric input or number out of range Re-enter number
Right Ascension must be 0.0 to 23.59 Re-enter Ra
Declination must be -90.0 to 90.0 Re-enter Dec


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


No such constellation name or abbreviation Re-enter name
Insufficient input Be more specific
Ambiguous or conflicting Ra limits Correct Ra limits
Ambiguous or conflicting Dec limits Correct Dec limits





















































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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX B
----------



Known Problems and Limitations
------------------------------



1. On exit from Parts I and III of ACE, the cursor may remain
yellow. Use the DOS command CLS to clear the screen and return
the cursor to white.

This problem occurs because of the default color in Turbo Pascal
and may be corrected in future releases.









































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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX C
----------



Technical Information on Part I
-------------------------------

The U.S. Naval Observatory uses large mainframe computers to
calculate the ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC and adjusts its ephemeris
formulae each year. These calculations are quite lengthy and
consume many hours of computer time. Hence, such accuracy cannot
be expected from a microcomputer at reasonable computation times.

Nevertheless, Part I (Astronomical Ephemeris) approaches the
accuracy of the ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC to an extent that we believe
is more than sufficient for even advanced astronomical use.

We intend to improve the accuracy of Part I even further in
future releases. Therefore, if you find a case where ACE
generates a result that is significantly in error, please report
the details to AstroSoft so that we may correct any possible
problems.

A brief technical description of the assumptions underlying the
calculations performed in Part I follows.



The Sun
-------

The accuracy of the computed right ascension and declination is 1
second of arc. The accuracy of sunrise, sunset, and twilight
times is approximately plus or minus two minutes. A value of 34'
of arc is used for refraction corrections at the horizon, and a
value of 16' of arc is used for the solar semi-diameter at the
time of rising and setting. All computations are performed in
ephemeris time.



The Moon
--------

The accuracy of the calculations is better than one minute of arc
in both right ascension and declination. The accuracy of
moonrise and moonset times is approximately plus or minus five
minutes. A value of 34' of arc is used for refraction corrections
at the horizon, and the actual computed value of the semi-
diameter at the time of rising and setting is used. The rising
and setting times are corrected for parallax. All computations
are performed in ephemeris time.




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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00



The Planets
-----------

Planetary positions may have a maximum error of approximately
plus or minus 1 minute of arc. In practice, most of the planetary
calculations are much more accurate than this. The accuracy of
the rising and setting times is approximately plus or minus two
minutes. No correction for semi-diameter is used in the
computation of the rising and setting times. All computations are
performed in ephemeris time.



Eclipses
--------

No attempt is made to calculate the local circumstances of solar
eclipses. The computed times are accurate to approximately five
minutes.



Astrophotography Exposures
--------------------------

In general, the exposure times given are accurate to
approximately 15 percent. To allow for unpredictable conditions,
the exposure times should be bracketed.



Mean Sidereal Time and Julian Day
---------------------------------

The computed sidereal time is accurate to 0.5 second. The Julian
day number is accurate to four decimal places. The rising and
setting times have been corrected for refraction, but not
for parallax and semi-diameter. The airmass is proportional to
the object's zenith distance. Airmass of any object is 1.0 at the
zenith, and infinity at the horizon.



Precession of Coordinates
-------------------------

The precession is calculated according to a rigorous algorithm
developed by Simon Newcomb that is valid for a limited time (at
least several hundred years in the past and future).







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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


Phases of the Moon
------------------

The calculated times of lunar phases may be in error by up to 2
minutes.



Equinoxes and Solstices
-----------------------

The calculated times of the seasons are accurate to approximately
ten minutes.



Galilean Satellites of Jupiter
------------------------------

No attempt is made to display the relative positions of the
satellites in the Y-coordinate plane. The accuracy of the display
is limited by the low resolution of the display (80 columns).
Eclipses and transits are not indicated.



Perpetual Calendar
------------------

The calendar is valid for any year between 32 000 B.C. and A.D.
32 000.



Polaris
-------

The times of the culminations and elongations of Polaris are
accurate to approximately 1 second.


















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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX D
----------



Musical Selections Used in Part II
----------------------------------

Body Composer Title
---- -------- -----

Sun Edvard Grieg (1842-1907) Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op.
46: Morning Mood
(Allegretto pastorale)
Mercury Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): III. Mercury,
the Winged Messenger
(Vivace)
Venus Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): II. Venus,
the Bringer of Peace
(Adagio)
Earth Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Prelude a l'apres-midi
d'un faune
(Tres modere)
Mars Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): I. Mars,
the Bringer of War
(Allegro)
Jupiter Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): IV. Jupiter,
the Bringer of Jollity
(Allegro giacoso, 6
measures after start)
Saturn Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): V. Saturn,
the Bringer of Old Age
(Adagio, poco animato, 3
Measures after I)
Uranus Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): VI. Uranus,
the Magician
(Allegro, 9 measures
after V)
Neptune Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets, Op. 32
(1914-16): VII. Neptune
the Mystic
(Andante)
Pluto Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Symphonie Fantastique
(1830): V. Songe d'une
Nuit de Sabbat: Dies
Irae
(Lontano)




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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX E
----------



Information Displayed in Part III
---------------------------------

Information displayed in Part III is in one of three formats:
one format for the Full Catalog, Messier Catalog, and Named
Objects, one format for the Bright Stars, and one format for the
Double Stars.



Full Catalog, Messier Catalog, and Named Objects
------------------------------------------------

* Indicates that the object has an entry in the
corresponding commentary file
Cat # A four-digit catalog number with a letter prefix
indicating the catalog source:
A = R.G. Aitken
B = Barnard
H = F.W. Herschel
I = J.L.E. Dreyer's INDEX CATALOG
J = W.S. Jacob
m = Melcotte
N = J.L.E. Dreyer's NEW GENERAL CATALOG
W = Winnecke
M Number in the Messier Catalog
RA Right Ascension in hours and minutes, to tenths of
minutes (most are for Epoch 1950.0; a few are for
Epoch 1980.0)
Dec Declination in degrees and minutes of arc (most are
for Epoch 1950.0; a few are for Epoch 1980.0)
Mag Apparent (integrated) visual magnitude (a "P"
suffix indicates an apparent [integrated]
photographic magnitude, where an apparent visual
magnitude is unavailable; a "var" suffix indicates
variable)
Typ Object type:
DIF = bright diffuse nebulae
GCL = globular star clusters
OCL = galactic (open) star clusters
PLA = planetary nebulae
External galaxies (anagalactic nebulae) are listed
by their Hubble Classification, but may be selected
as a group by an object type of "GLX":
E = elliptical
I = irregular
S = spiral
SB = barred spiral
a = early type (bright nucleus, arms less
developed


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


b = intermediate type (lesser nucleus, arms
fairly extended)
c = late type (weak nucleus, arms very
conspicuous)
p = peculiar
Size Apparent largest and smallest diameters
Dis Distance in parsecs (pc), except in kiloparsecs
(kpc) for globular clusters and in distance moduli
for external galaxies. Suffixes:
C = x 100
K = x 1000
Con International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter
abbreviation for the constellation
Name Common name of the object



Bright Stars
------------

* Indicates that the object has an entry in the
corresponding commentary file
Cat # A five-digit number preceded by the letter "B"
indicating the catalog source (Boss General Catalog)
Sp Spectral Classification (Harvard)
RA Right Ascension in hours and minutes, to tenths of
minutes (for Epoch 1980.0)
Dec Declination in degrees and minutes of arc (for
Epoch 1980.0)
Mag Visual magnitude based on photoelectric
observations, with a few exceptions, which have
been adjusted to match the yellow color-
sensitivity of the eye; it is as likely as not
that the true magnitude is within 0.03 of the
quoted figure, on the average (variable stars are
indicated with a "V")
Typ Object type: STR (bright star)
Name Common name (Arabic, Greek, or Latin)
Dis Distance in parsecs (pc)
Con International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter
abbreviation
Greek Letter Bayer letter (Greek or Roman letter) or Flamsteed
number



Double Stars
------------

* Indicates that the object has an entry in the
corresponding commentary file
Cat # A five-digit number preceded by the letter "B"
indicating the catalog source (Boss General Catalog)
Cls Class
BIN = binary


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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


CPM = common proper motion
FIX = fixed
MUL = multiple
OPT = optical
QUA = quadruple
QUI = quintuple
TRI = triple
RA Right Ascension in hours and minutes, to tenths of
minutes (for Epoch 1950.0)
Dec Declination in degrees and minutes of arc (for
Epoch 1950.0)
RA Right Ascension for Epoch 1950.0
Dec Declination for Epoch 1950.0
Sep Separation of widest components
Typ Object type: DBL (double or multiple star)
Mag Visual magnitudes of widest components
Ang Position angle of widest components
Con International Astronomical Union (IAU) three-letter
abbreviation
Greek Letter Bayer letter (Greek or Roman letter) or Flamsteed
number




































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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX F
----------



Acknowledgments
---------------

Excerpts from the following copyrighted materials are included by
permission of the copyright owner. AstroSoft extends its
gratitude to these generous publishers, who have thereby made
important astronomical data available, as part of this package,
to educational and scientific institutions, as well as the
amateur astronomical community and the general public.

NONE OF THE DATAFILES OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL FILES FROM ACE IS
TO BE USED, COPIED, OR DISTRIBUTED APART FROM THE WHOLE SOFTWARE
PACKAGE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LIMITED LICENSE. PLEASE RESPECT
THE GENEROSITY OF THESE PUBLISHERS BY RESPECTING THE LEGAL
LIMITATIONS OF THE LIMITED LICENSE.

Roy L. Bishop: OBSERVER'S HANDBOOK 1987. Copyright The Royal
Astronomical Society of Canada (Toronto).

Walter Scott Houston: 50 CELESTIAL SPLENDORS TO VIEW, in Sky &
Telescope, January 1981, pages 23-28. Copyright Sky Publishing
Corporation 1981 (Cambridge, Massachusetts).

John H. Mallas and Evered Kreimer: THE MESSIER ALBUM, First
Edition. Copyright Sky Publishing Corporation 1978 (Cambridge,
Massachusetts).

James Mullaney and Wallace McCall: THE FINEST DEEP-SKY OBJECTS.
Copyright Sky Publishing Corporation 1966, 1972, 1978 (Cambridge,
Massachusetts).

Jack Newton and Philip Teece: THE CAMBRIDGE DEEP-SKY ALBUM.
Copyright Cambridge University Press 1983 (Cambridge).



















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AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX G
----------



The User-Supported Software Concept
-----------------------------------

User-Supported Software is a concept in distributing computer
programs, based on three principles:

(1) that the value and utility of software is best assessed by
the user on his own system. Only after using a program can the
user really determine whether it serves his personal
applications, needs, and tastes;

(2) that the creation of independent personal-computer software
can and should be supported by the computing community;

(3) that the copying of programs should be encouraged, rather
than restricted, as the ease with which software can be
distributed outside traditional commercial channels reflects the
strength, rather than the weakness, of electronic information.

The software carries a notice suggesting a donation for the
software. Making the suggested donation is voluntary on the part
of each user.

Regardless of whether the suggested donation is made, the user is
encouraged to make copies of this software and to distribute them
to other users, within the terms of the Limited License.


























Page 37





AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX H
----------



Limited License
---------------

This Limited License is granted to users of the AstroSoft
Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00, to use this software
on a private, non-commercial basis and to make copies of this
software and distribute them to other users, on the following
conditions:

(1) Copies are to comprise all files on both disks. None of the
datafiles or any other individual files is to be used, copied, or
distributed apart from the whole software package.

(2) No "disk fee" or other consideration is to be charged for
copying or distributing the software, except a small fee for
shipping and materials.

(3) The notices displayed at program start-up are not to be by-
passed, altered, or removed.

(4) This software is not to be distributed in modified form or in
connection with any other product.

(5) Copies may be posted for access via telecommunications, but
only on these same conditions.

(6) The user accepts that this software package is furnished on
an "as is" basis with no warranty of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose.

This Limited License is not granted to members of the Eastbay
Astronomical Society, Inc., of Oakland, California. Such members
are specifically prohibited from any use, copying, or
distribution of this software, except with prior written
permission of AstroSoft, Inc., after written application for such
permission.

Any use, copying, or distribution of this software indicates the
user's acceptance of these terms and conditions. This software
may not be used, copied, or distributed in any manner not
provided for in the Limited License, except with prior written
authorization of AstroSoft, Inc. Any breach of one or more of
these conditions is legally punishable as an infringement of
copyright.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE USER-SUPPORTED SOFTWARE CONCEPT
BY MAKING THE SUGGESTED DONATION AND ABIDING BY THE TERMS OF THE
LIMITED LICENSE.




Page 38





AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris (ACE), Version 1.00


APPENDIX I
----------



How to Register Your Copy for Enhancements and Support
------------------------------------------------------

To register your copy of the AstroSoft Computerized Ephemeris,
simply send your name and address to AstroSoft, Inc., Post Office
Box 4451, Hayward, CA 94540-4451.

Although we shall endeavor to send you from time to time
information about ACE and announcements of enhancements to this
software package and other AstroSoft software packages, we
reserve the right to make changes to ACE without obligation to
notify any user of such changes.

Although we shall endeavor to maintain, enhance, and support ACE,
we can make no commitment to do so.





































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