Custom catalogue files

New catalogue files can be created by means of simple text editor (e.g. Notepad, Crimson Editor etc.). A file have to be stored in the directory with the program binary and the extension have to be changed to dat. Example: My catalogue.dat. Beware of double extensions - My catalogue.dat.txt.)

Syntax of the file

First line can be header, but it is not mandatory. Next lines are data on eclipsing binaries. Each line defines one record. The fields are stored on fixed positions, gaps are filled by spaces. Always use decimal point to divide integer part and decimals.

Elements for primary and secondary minimum are stored on separated line, they are discriminated by colon character or '+S' string in the star's designation. Examples: EK Cep and EK+P Cep labels data for primary minima, on the other hand, EK:Cep and EK+S Cep labels data for secondary minima.

Position from

Position toField nameMeaning
213 NAME Star's designation. Colon in the name denotes that data concern to secondary minimum of the variable.
1517 TYPE The categorization of the star in B.R.N.O. observational program. For custom catalogues, you can optionally enter any text. Note: type of variability is stored in the VD.
1922 RATING Given ratings are measures of usefulness of mainly visual observations.
2431 RA2000 Equatorial co-ordinates in equinox 2000.0 - right ascension (hhmmss.s)
3339 DE2000 Equatorial co-ordinates in equinox 2000.0 - declination (+ddmmss)
4151 M0 One of light elements represented by the Julian date of the basic light minimum (epoch E = 0) with the front-end figures 24... omitted.
5364 PER Period P of light changes in days
6670 MAX Brightness of variable star in maximum (in magnitudes)
7276 PRIM Brightness of variable star in primary light minimum (in magnitudes)
7882 SEK Brightness of variable star in secondary light minimum (in magnitudes)
8485 BRANCH The photometric system in which Max, Min and Sec are reported. The main codes are P (photographic magnitudes), V (visual, photovisual, or Johnson's V), "Rc" (R magnitudes in Cousins' I system), "Hp" (Hipparcos magnitudes) and C (unfiltered CCD observations)
87107 ZDROJ Source of elements of light changes
109112 VD Duration of eclipse in hours (for Algol like stars); the letter "B" or "W" is given for b Lyrae stars or W UMa stars, respectively. The sign "*" means variability of given value (see Notes). The sign ":" indicates possible uncertainty in given value.
114117 MD Duration of constant phase in minimum light in hours. The sign ":" indicates potential uncertainty in given value
119126 CHART Availability of the chart.
128137 ATRAKTIV Astrophysical attractiveness of system.
139153 POZNAMKA Remarks.
155165 GSC The Guide Star Catalogue identification number is given in form XXXXX.XXXXX.
167171 ZMENA The sign "*" means change in light elements relative to previous catalogue BRKA 2004 Z and "N" means the new added star.