MPC Operations Status
The Minor Planet Center operates in two distinct modes of operation, which are described below.Processing Mode
Processing is the normal mode of operation. Automated processes handle the bulk of the incoming observation batches.MPC Preparation Mode
When the checking of material that is to appear in the next batch of Minor Planet Circulars begins, the MPC switches into preparation mode. The primary difference between preparation and processing modes is that new observatory codes are not attended to in preparation mode. Most automated procedures handle observations as in processing mode.
MPC Status Page
A page describing any problem with the MPC (either in internal processing of observations or with the webpages or web scripts) is available.ECS Files
The files available in the ECS are those associated with the 2012 FEB. 7 and 2012 JAN. 9 batches of MPCs.The last batch of mid-month MPS batches included in the file available in the ECS are those associated with the 2012 JAN. 29 batch.
Name Proposals
The CSBN has approved 69 names for publication in the 2012 February batch of Minor Planet Circulars.Name proposals submitted before 2012 February 7 are being prepared for submission to the CSBN for consideration for publication in the 2012 April batch of Minor Planet Circulars.
Name proposals submitted after 2012 February 6 will be considered by the CSBN for publication in the 2012 June batch of Minor Planet Circulars.
