Evolution of Ephemerides Representation and Diffusion

Abstract

There has been, and continues to be, a close interaction between celestial mechanics used for the generation of ephemerides, mathematical techniques, and computer technology. As the computer capabilities of the ephemerides offices and the users of ephemerides have improved, the methods of determining and the accuracies of ephemerides have changed and the medium and representation of the ephemerides provided to the user have evolved.Ephemerides have been provided in the form of theories, tables, tabulations, polynomials, graphics, and subroutines by means of the printed page, punched cards, magnetic tape, floppy disks, CD/ROMs, and electronic mail. As mathematical techniques and computer technology continue to develop and the requirements for ephemerides evolve, the methods of representing and diffusing ephemerides will continue to improve.