Spot requires Java version 1.6 AND 1.7. It does not work with version 1.8. A clean Sierra installation comes with Java 1.8. We advise you to install Java 6  and 7 before installing Spot. Please see http://sohelp2.ipac.caltech.edu/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/238/ for directions on download Java 6 and 7.

If Spot or Leopard will not open after an auto-update please see http://sohelp2.ipac.caltech.edu/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/238/#javaapplicationstub

If you have OS X 10.12 (Sierra), when you install and then run Spot, you might see one of these error messages:

You do not have permission to open the application "spot". Contact your computer or network administrator for assistance

Spot is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash

Mac OS X Sierra tightens the security control over applications that are not from Mac App Store and identified developers. This includes Spot.

To make Spot run, users need to change the 'Security & Privacy' setting.

1. Open a terminal; Enter the command: “sudo spctl --master-disable”; Hit return and authenticate with an admin password.
2. Open System Preferences
3. Click on 'Security & Privacy'
4. Login by clicking the lock icon
5. Choose 'Anywhere' under the title 'Allow applications downloaded from'
6. Close the System Preferences dialog
7. Start Spot by double clicking on Spot icon

 See http://osxdaily.com/2016/09/27/allow-apps-from-anywhere-macos-gatekeeper for more details.