Implement a Julia version of the U.S. Naval Observatory Vector Astrometry Software (NOVAS) library and vectorize it to improve performance.

Description

The U.S. Naval Observatory Vector Astrometry Software (NOVAS) library is used to accurately calculate the positions of celestial objects, such as stars and planets. The software is used in the calculations of the annual Astronomical Almanac, which is published by the U.S. Naval Observatory and Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office. These algorithms are used by astronomers for precision astrometry. In this project, the student will implement a Julia version of the software with modifications for ease of use and improved performance. A key improvement with be to vectorize many of the algorithms so that they can be used to quickly calculate the positions of tens of millions of stars. The current C and FORTRAN versions do not have this feature.

Milestones (if any)

• Initial implementation of the basic algorithms/functions.

• Vectorize the basic algorithms/functions

• Modifications to the design to improve ease-of-use.

Coding starts

• Understand the astrometrc algorithms and the related functions.

1st evaluation

• Initial implementation of basic algorithms/functions

2nd evaluation

• Vectorize the basis algorithms/functions.

Final

• Submit final implementation with improvements for ease-of-use.