Missions like Hayabusa2 rely on updated ephemerides of asteroids to achieve high-precision landings (within 100 metres).
An (plural: ephemerides ) is a tabulation of the computed positions and velocities of celestial bodies—such as planets, moons, asteroids, and satellites—at specific dates and times. Derived from the Greek word for "diary," it serves as an itinerary for astronomical objects, providing essential data for navigation, scientific research, and astrology. Core Applications Ephemeris
Brightness (magnitude), distance from the Sun or Earth, velocity, and apparent diameter. Missions like Hayabusa2 rely on updated ephemerides of
Times of solar/lunar eclipses, planetary ingresses (moving into a new sign), and retrograde motion. providing essential data for navigation
Historically used by mariners to find their way at sea, ephemerides remain a vital backup to modern satellite systems.