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.
