14

SUN/213.4

Starlink Project
Starlink User Note 213.4

G. Privett, T. Jenness, H. Matthews, V. Barnard

10 May 2021

FLUXES
JCMT Position and Flux Density Calibration

Version 1.2

User’s Manual


Abstract

FLUXES calculates approximate topocentric positions of the planets and also integrated flux densities of five of them at several wavelengths. These provide calibration information at the effective frequencies and beam-sizes employed by receivers on the JCMT telescope based on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

The FLUXNOW command, runs FLUXES for the current time and date. This allows you to obtain planetary positions and flux levels quickly.

Contents

1 Introduction
2 Frequencies, brightness and beam-width
3 Using FLUXES
4 Planetary brightness and flux density calculations
5 Using FLUXNOW
6 Acknowledgements
A Running in batch mode
B How does FLUXES work?
 B.1 Calculating topocentric and geocentric positions and distances
 B.2 Calculating the solid angle subtended by the planet
 B.3 Calculating Mars’ brightness temperatures
 B.4 Converting brightness temperatures to flux densities