Body Metrics List
The body metrics list chooses which positional measurements are reported for each body you have selected. Checking a metric adds its column to the ephemeris table for every selected body, or its curve to the graph on a graphic study; unchecking a metric removes it.
The list is headed Metrics on the standard and graphic ephemeris studies, and Body Metrics on the aspect ephemeris studies, where it sits beside the Aspect Metrics List on the Body & Aspect Metrics tab.
Which Measurements Are Offered
The names of two metrics follow the study's reference plane, which you set in the Basic Ephemeris Settings.
| Ecliptic reference plane | Equatorial reference plane | What it reports |
|---|---|---|
| Longitude | Right Asc | The body's position along the reference plane, in degrees. |
| Sign Position | Sign Position | The body's position expressed within its zodiac sign. |
| Latitude | Declination | The body's position perpendicular to the reference plane, in degrees. |
| Distance | Distance | The body's distance, in AU. |
| Speed | Speed | The body's rate of motion, in degrees per day. |
Graphic ephemeris studies offer only the four plottable metrics. Sign Position has no graphic counterpart and is omitted, and Longitude is checked by default on a new graphic study. On a new aspect study only Sign Position is checked.
Distance values are reported in AU for the planetary bodies, and Speed values in degrees per day, on every study type.
Show or Hide a Body Metric
To add one measurement to the study's output, or take it out again:
- Click the checkbox beside the metric's name in the Metrics list.
The metric's column appears for every selected body, or disappears again. This is one of the two ways to control which columns the ephemeris table shows; the other is the right-click menu on any column header, described in Show or Hide Table Columns.
Metric selection stays available after a completed generation locks the study, because it changes only which columns are shown, not the underlying data. On a graphic study the plot redraws without generating the study again, because the generated series already carry all four metrics.
Select Several Body Metrics at Once
To check several metrics in one action:
-
Select one or more metric rows in the Metrics list.
tipShift-click the last row of a range to extend the selection to every row between it and the row you clicked first.
-
Right-click one of the highlighted rows and select Select in the context menu.
Every highlighted metric is checked and its column added to the ephemeris table.
Deselect Several Body Metrics at Once
To uncheck several metrics in one action:
-
Select one or more metric rows in the Metrics list.
tipShift-click the last row of a range to extend the selection to every row between it and the row you clicked first.
-
Right-click one of the highlighted rows and select Deselect in the context menu.
Every highlighted metric is unchecked and its column removed from the ephemeris table.
Clear All Body Metrics
To uncheck every metric at once, ready to pick a fresh set:
- Right-click any metric row in the Metrics list to open the context menu.
- Click Clear All.
Every metric in the list is unchecked and all body-metric columns are removed from the ephemeris table.
The Metrics List Context Menu
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Select | Check every highlighted metric row. |
| Deselect | Uncheck every highlighted metric row. |
| Clear All | Uncheck every metric in the list, whether or not it is highlighted. |
The menu has no preset commands. Presets exist only on the bodies lists and on the Basic Ephemeris Settings.
