MPO Software: An Overnight Success

MPO LCInvert (v11 using v10 DB engine)

MPO Canopus v12 Initial Release Available

Download the version 12 installer.
Download the v10 to v12 data converter.

"It's perfect! I put lightcurves of 107 Camilla (converted from from UAPC) to LCInvert and now I relax while watching the final shape rotating in the '4 vane'. I'm sure people will love this."
Josef Durech, Developer of the C source code core libraries.

The LCInvert is a Windows-based program that uses the Delphi adaptation of the Core Inversion Library to generate the files required to display 3-D asteroid models and then presents those models. The models can be displayed in one of two windows: Model View, which allows "orbiting" the asteroid as well as displaying it in asteroid-equatorial or ecliptic modes, and 4-Vane, which displays the asteroid from four different view points simultaneously. The views within the 4-Vane are fixed.

MPO LCInvert is Not for Everyone

It is very important to emphasize that lightcurve inversion is not a simple, straightforward process and is fraught with many more pitfalls than might ever be encountered when finding the period of a lightcurve. It is very easy to reach false conclusions. A good example is the right-hand model in the screen shot, which has the asteroid spinning about it's longest axis.

It is strongly suggested that you read the critical references listed in the documentation and have a good understanding of the overall process. It is not expected that you be able to understand the underlying algorithms or math in detail.

To answer the most common question right off:You cannot get the shape or spin axis of a main-belt asteroid from data obtained during a single apparition. It just cannot be done. An NEO that goes through a significant change in phase angle and viewing aspect during a single apparition might be an exception, but only if there is sufficient data covering a large range of phase angles and assuming that the asteroid is not being viewed nearly pole-on.

When doing lightcurve inversions, it is highly recommended that you contact those in the literature that have done it successfully and get their feedback before publishing any work.

MPO LCInvert (v11 using v10 DB engine) MPO Canopus v12 Initial Release Available Download the version 12 installer. Download the v10 to v12 data converter. "It's perfect! I put lightcurves of 107 Camilla (converted from from UAPC) to LCInvert and now I relax while watching the final shape rotating in the '4 vane'. I'm sure people will love this." Josef Durech, Developer of the C source code core libraries.
The LCInvert is a Windows-based program that uses the Delphi adaptation of the Core Inversion Library to generate the files required to display 3-D asteroid models and then presents those models. The models can be displayed in one of two windows: Model View, which allows "orbiting" the asteroid as well as displaying it in asteroid-equatorial or ecliptic modes, and 4-Vane, which displays the asteroid from four different view points simultaneously. The views within the 4-Vane are fixed. MPO LCInvert is Not for Everyone It is very important to emphasize that lightcurve inversion is not a simple, straightforward process and is fraught with many more pitfalls than might ever be encountered when finding the period of a lightcurve. It is very easy to reach false conclusions. A good example is the right-hand model in the screen shot, which has the asteroid spinning about it's longest axis.
It is strongly suggested that you read the critical references listed in the documentation and have a good understanding of the overall process. It is not expected that you be able to understand the underlying algorithms or math in detail. To answer the most common question right off:You cannot get the shape or spin axis of a main-belt asteroid from data obtained during a single apparition. It just cannot be done. An NEO that goes through a significant change in phase angle and viewing aspect during a single apparition might be an exception, but only if there is sufficient data covering a large range of phase angles and assuming that the asteroid is not being viewed nearly pole-on. When doing lightcurve inversions, it is highly recommended that you contact those in the literature that have done it successfully and get their feedback before publishing any work.