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IBM

chuk-mcp-celestial

by IBM

get_planet_position

Calculate a planet's position in the sky for any date, time, and location to plan observations or answer "where is [planet] tonight?" questions.

Instructions

Get position and observational data for a planet at a specific time and location.

Returns altitude, azimuth, distance, phase illumination, apparent magnitude, constellation, equatorial coordinates (RA/Dec), elongation from the sun, and visibility status. Essential for planning astronomical observations and answering "where is [planet] tonight?" questions.

Args: planet: Planet name. One of: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto date: Date in YYYY-MM-DD format (e.g., "2025-6-15") time: Time in HH:MM format, 24-hour (e.g., "22:30"). Interpreted as UTC unless timezone is specified. latitude: Observer's latitude in decimal degrees (-90 to 90) longitude: Observer's longitude in decimal degrees (-180 to 180) timezone: Timezone offset from UTC in hours (e.g., -8 for PST, 1 for CET). When provided, the time parameter is interpreted as local time.

Returns: PlanetPositionResponse: GeoJSON Feature containing: - geometry: Observer location - properties.data: Planet position data: - altitude: Degrees above horizon (negative = below horizon) - azimuth: Degrees clockwise from north (0=N, 90=E, 180=S, 270=W) - distance_au / distance_km: Distance from observer - illumination: Phase illumination percentage (0-100) - magnitude: Apparent visual magnitude (lower = brighter) - constellation: IAU constellation abbreviation - right_ascension / declination: Equatorial coordinates (J2000) - elongation: Angular distance from sun in degrees - visibility: "visible", "below_horizon", or "lost_in_sunlight" - artifact_ref: Reference to stored computation (if artifact store configured)

Tips for LLMs: - Lower magnitude = brighter. Venus can reach -4.4, Jupiter -2.7 - Elongation < 10-15 degrees means planet is too close to the sun to see - altitude > 0 means the planet is above the horizon - azimuth tells you where to look: 0=North, 90=East, 180=South, 270=West - For "where is Mars tonight?", use time="21:00" with appropriate timezone - Mercury is hardest to see (small elongation), Venus and Jupiter are easiest

Example: pos = await get_planet_position( planet="Mars", date="2025-6-15", time="22:00", latitude=47.6, longitude=-122.3, timezone=-7 ) data = pos.properties.data if data.visibility == "visible": print(f"Mars is at {data.altitude}° altitude, {data.azimuth}° azimuth") print(f"Magnitude: {data.magnitude}, in {data.constellation}")

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
planetYes
dateYes
timeYes
latitudeYes
longitudeYes
timezoneNo
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does an excellent job describing what the tool returns (altitude, azimuth, distance, etc.), interpretation of values (e.g., 'altitude > 0 means the planet is above the horizon'), and practical constraints ('Elongation < 10-15 degrees means planet is too close to the sun to see'). However, it doesn't mention potential limitations like computational complexity, error conditions, or rate limits, keeping it from a perfect score.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with clear sections (purpose, returns, args, tips, example) and every sentence adds value. However, at approximately 400 words, it's quite lengthy for a tool description. While all content is useful, some information in the 'Tips for LLMs' section could potentially be streamlined or moved to documentation, preventing a perfect score for conciseness.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's complexity (6 parameters, astronomical calculations), no annotations, and no output schema, the description provides exceptional completeness. It explains what the tool does, when to use it, all parameter details, return data structure with field explanations, practical examples, and interpretation guidance. The example shows exactly how to invoke the tool and use the results, making this description self-contained and comprehensive.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description fully compensates by providing comprehensive parameter semantics. Each of the 6 parameters is clearly explained with examples, valid ranges, and interpretation rules (e.g., 'timezone: Timezone offset from UTC in hours... When provided, the time parameter is interpreted as local time'). The planet parameter even lists all valid values (Mercury through Pluto), and date/time formats are specified with examples.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Get position and observational data for a planet at a specific time and location.' It specifies the verb ('Get'), resource ('position and observational data for a planet'), and scope ('at a specific time and location'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like get_earth_seasons or get_moon_phases. The detailed return data list further clarifies the exact information provided.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides explicit usage guidance with named alternatives and specific contexts. It states: 'Essential for planning astronomical observations and answering "where is [planet] tonight?" questions,' and includes practical tips like 'For "where is Mars tonight?", use time="21:00" with appropriate timezone.' This clearly indicates when to use this tool versus other astronomical tools in the sibling set.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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