Hello everyone,
Some of you quickly noticed I recently removed XEphem from my web site. I didn't think there was much interest any longer so I was surprised at the outpouring of everything from anger to grief. It doesn't help that a few people thought they had a right to access XEphem and demanded I put it back up but most of the responses expressed appreciation for past availability and politely wished there might be a way to provide that again.
Some of my reasons for pulling it include:
- steadily decreasing accuracy, especially moons
- waning availability of Motif and associated libraries
- increased expectations for security
- more and more data providers require https access
- my own dwindling energy levels as I age slowly but surely
I started XEphem in 1990, based directly on ephem which I started in 1982. I am still surprised that it has enjoyed a wonderful 26 year run. I'm also honored that it is in use at every professional observatory with which I have had contact. I also acknowledge the many contributions over the years that helped the program mature. But the fact remains it is growing less and less viable.
Some suggest that I provide XEphem as Open Source. I fully understand how that can lead to perpetual growth, but you must understand XEphem is my "baby" and I just can not release it to the wilds. The ownership of XEphem will follow me to the grave.
Writing this note has allowed me to reminisce in my mind all the many events surrounding XEphem over the past several decades. I can understand how those of you who have used it for many years will also miss it. So I have resurrected most of the XEphem web site, including a page for downloading all the source code and data sets. There is no longer a commercial edition, I offer no support and I do not expect to make any future updates but of course no one can foretell the future.
Best wishes to all... and thanks for using XEphem.
Sincerely,
Elwood Downey
