Research on Spherical Distance Computation and Accuracy Comparison

Fan Dongwei; He Boliang; Li Changhua; Han Jun; Xu Yunfei; Cui Chenzhou

Astronomical Research and Technology > 2019 > 16(1): 69-76.

Fan Dongwei, He Boliang, Li Changhua, Han Jun, Xu Yunfei, Cui Chenzhou. Research on Spherical Distance Computation and Accuracy Comparison[J]. Astronomical Research and Technology, 2019, 16(1): 69-76.

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Research on Spherical Distance Computation and Accuracy Comparison

National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

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Received Date: April 07, 2018
Revised Date: May 09, 2018
Available Online: November 20, 2023

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Spherical distance (Angular separation) calculation is commonly using in Astronomy and Geography. It is the foundation of object detecting, data query and cross-matching. The spherical distance can be computed by Spherical Geometry method, and people have deduced many formulas. But the precision of computer is limited, due to rounding error in the numerical computation. This article will inspect several widely used formulas, test and compare their results, and discuss their advantage and disadvantage. In addition, this article will demonstrate how to do distance calculation on several astronomical packages and databases. The purpose of this article is to help astronomers to find the suitable method to do their calculation.
- Numerical computation,
- Spherical distance,
- Angular separation,
- Calculation accuracy

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References (11)

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