The index numbers are unique in the database, regardless of the planet
The search can be performed either on the full date format Year-Month-Day (eg. 1935-03-28) or the single year (eg 1935). In this case:
A pull-down menu allow to select one of the observatories where photographs have been made. This list is specific to each planet.
In some cases, the observatory mentioned in the catalogue is uncertain. Such uncertainties are flagged with an asterisk (*).
For Mars, Venus and Mercury: LCM = Longitude of the Central Meridian in planetographic system.
For Jupiter et Saturn : LCM1 = Longitude of the Central Meridian in System I (equatorial zone).
Pour Jupiter seulement : LCM2 = Longitude of the Central Meridian in the System II (higher latitudes zone).
The central meridian is the virtual line joining the planet poles, and poing through the center of the side visible from Earth. Due to the differential rotation of the giant planets, the central meridian longitude is not the same in the equatorial zone than in the highr latitudes.
λ is the heliocentric longitude of the planet (mean heliocentric ecliptic longitude for the equinox J2000) : in the ecliptic coordinates system, an object longitude is the angle between the ecliptic plane and the vernal equinox.
Results can be displayed in two different modes, which can be specified in the search form (radio button):
Short display : only major fields of the database are displayed :
Long display : the same fields as those of the short display, plus :
By clicking on the thumbnail, you will get a low-resolution image in JPEG format..
The checkboxes allow to select images :