![]() ![]() ![]() an algorithm (from the arabic mathematician al-Khltrezmi) is a set of rules for getting something done for us it is a mathematical procedure, a sequence of reasonings and operations which provides the solution to a given problem. astronomical algorithms intends to be a guide for the (professional or amateur) astronomer who wants to do calculations. ![]() Only by experience and practice can one learn the innumerable tricks and dodges that are so useful and often essential in agood program. This general truth is certainly valid for the art of programming. Creating useful, successful and beautiful programs requires much practice. ![]() However, all these necessities don't suffice. as a matter of fact he must have a perfect command of his calculating machine, knowing all possibilities it offers the competent user. as Gerard Bodifee wrote in the Preface of my previous work: anyone who endeavours to make astronomical calculations has to be very familiar with the essential astronomical conceptions and rules and he must have sufficient knowledge of elementary mathematical techniques. Changes were needed to take into account new resolutions of the International astronomical Union, particularly the adoption of the new standard epoch J2000.0, while moreover I profited by the new planetary and lunar theories constructed at the Bureau des Longitudes, Paris. The subjects have been expanded and the content has been improved. The present work is a greatly revised version of the former one. Because these "personal computers" were not yet within reach of everybody, the aforesaid book was written mainly for the users of pocket calculating machines and therefore calculation methods requiring a large amount of computer memory, or many steps in a program, were avoided as far as possible, or kept to a minimum. From the Book: When, in 1978, I wrote the first (Belgian) edition of my astronomical Formulae for Calculators, the industry of microcomputers was just starting its worldwide expansion. ![]()
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