Retrieving Ephemeris from Webgeocal webservices using python

[BaptisteCecconi]

We need to be able to use Webgeocalc webservice to retrieve ephemeris data.

In python, it is very easy, so I propose got write a python module to access webgeocalc, and use the IDL spawn command to use the script.

[BaptisteCecconi]

The Webgeocalc API est ici: https://webgeocalc.readthedocs.io/en/stable/api.html

[aicardi-obspm]

There is a command line interface : https://webgeocalc.readthedocs.io/en/stable/cli.html

[CorentinLouis]

@BaptisteCecconi: can we do it easily now that there is a Webgeocalc instance at Paris Observatory?

[BaptisteCecconi]

yes, that would be a nice project. The ObsParis webgeocalc server is here:

http://voparis-webgeocalc.obspm.fr:8080/geocalc/#NewCalculation

but only accessible from Obs Paris internal network range (or through the Obs Paris proxy). In the code, we should have a switch to enable the usage of ObsParis' server if it is available (e.g., from tycho), and fallback to NASA or ESA servers if not.

[BaptisteCecconi]

I have done some processing with voparis-webgeocalc already, for the validation of the Leblanc et al catalogues, so I know it works well.

[BaptisteCecconi]

The code is here:

https://gitlab.obspm.fr/maser/catalogues/tfcat/-/blob/master/examples/leblanc_aa_catalogues/jupiter_ephem.py

[aicardi-obspm]

The webgeocalc server is also used in https://jupiter-probability-tool.obspm.fr/ which is written in python/flask.