Viewing

VIEWING is a Web tool which determines when, or if, an astronomical position can be viewed by a given space telescope.

An example is determining when Cyg X-1 will be visible with Swift.

Use the VIEWING Web form.

1. Select Swift from the list of space telescopes.

2. Enter Cyg X-1 in the Object Name or Coordinates box.

3. Select a Name Resolver. The default is usually good.

4. Select the J2000 Coordinate System from the pull-down menu.

5. Click the Submit button to perform the calculation.

The VIEWING output screen (see below) summarizes the input parameters and time when the object is visible from Swift.

                 Viewing Results

  +------------------------------------------------+
  | Input equatorial coordinates:                  |
  |   Cyg X-1, resolved by SIMBAD (local cache) to |
  |   [299.5903, 35.2016], equinox J2000.0         |
  +------------------------------------------------+

                      Swift

   Double-check the latest TOO evaluation criteria
                 at the Swift MOC.

   *** VIEWING Version 3.2  run on 2011 Jul 20 ***
        for the period 2011 Jul 20 to 2013 Jul 20

   For Follow-up with Swift (Sun angle range =  46.0-180.0):
                (and Moon avoidance limit of  23.0 degrees)
     Observable throughout the specified period
       and is always far enough away from the Moon

   For preferred TOO observations with Swift (Sun angle range =  46.0-180.0):
                                 (and RA difference > 9.00 hours):
                                 (and Moon avoidance limit of  21.0 degrees)
     Observable between 2011 Jul 20 or before and 2011 Sep 06
       and is always far enough away from the Moon
     Observable between 2012 Jun 06           and 2012 Sep 05
       and is always far enough away from the Moon
     Observable between 2013 Jun 06           and 2013 Jul 20 or later
       and is always far enough away from the Moon