If there are new fixed targets of interest to be added to the target database, you may use program addFixedTargets to import them into the database. This process was described in detail in a previous section. Alternatively, you may open file TAO\targets\Fixed.txt with a text editor and type the information about the new targets in the appropriate format. If you use this last method, make sure that you save TAO\targets\Fixed.txt and then close it after making your changes.

Automated ephemeris updates

Script UpdateEph may be used to perform an automated update of the moving object database by downloading information from the MPC web site. This will include

• Download of new ephemerides for objects whose orbits have been updated since the time when their most recent ephemerides were downloaded.
• Download of new ephemerides to replace expired ones.
• Download of ephemerides for newly discovered unusual minor planets and comets.
• Download of ephemerides for known unusual minor planets and comets which have become observable since the last update of the moving object database.

To run UpdateEph, open a DOS window (Command Prompt), cd to the TAO\targets directory, and type the command

C:TAO\targets\>cscript UpdateEph.vbe

After the script executes you will see a screen message like this:

Logs written to: UpdateEph_20030930_213941.log Split_UpdateEph_EphToUpdate_FileList.log

These log files will contain a detailed record of the update process, including error messages. Both log files will be found in directory TAO\targets.