Jul 04
2026
When stacking sub-exposures of different durations while also disabling images based on FWHM and
visual inspection the question of "what is the total exposure time" can be difficult to answer. The
following python script should answer the question.
from collections import Counter
import sirilpy as s
siril = s.SirilInterface()
siril.connect()
seq = siril.get_seq()
print(f'Computing exposure time for sequence {seq.seqname}')
print(f'Sequence has {seq.number} images, {seq.selnum} selected/enabled')
exp_time_table = Counter()
for idx, imparam in enumerate(seq.imgparam):
if not imparam.incl:
continue
header = siril.get_seq_frame_header(idx, return_as='dict')
exp_time_table[header['EXPTIME']] += 1
total_exp_time_s = 0
for exp_time, count in exp_time_table.items():
print(f'Exposure time: {count:4d} x {exp_time:4.0f} secs')
total_exp_time_s += exp_time * count
total_exp_time_min = total_exp_time_s / 60
total_exp_time_hr = total_exp_time_s / 3600
print(f'Total exposure time: {total_exp_time_s:.0f} secs (={total_exp_time_min:.1f} mins '
f'={total_exp_time_hr:.1f} hrs)')
Example output:
14:06:45: Computing exposure time for sequence r_ngc_6188_combined_
14:06:45: Sequence has 606 images, 566 selected/enabled
14:06:46: Exposure time: 293 x 60 secs
14:06:46: Exposure time: 248 x 30 secs
14:06:46: Exposure time: 25 x 120 secs
14:06:46: Total exposure time: 28020 secs (=467.0 mins =7.8 hrs)
Jan 23
2024
Introduction
2023rve is the designation given to a Type II supernova discovered on 2023-09-08 by Mohammad Odeh from UAE. It appears to be part of NGC 1097, a galaxy 45 million light years away. Due to it’s brightness, 2023rve was visible to budget amateur astronomers/astrophotographers like myself.
Below …
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2023
I am in the process of resurrecting my Eq5 Pro so it is compatible with ASIAir Mini. The first step is to build an EQMod Direct USB cable. While it is possible to buy one pre-made, since I had all the parts I decided to build it myself.
Based on …
Mar 05
2022
In astrophotography the combination of a goto mount, a camera and plate-solving is a powerful one. It allows you to do all kind of neat things, like polar-alignment without having a clear view of the south, extremely accurate goto functionality, and automated capture of multiple predefined targets.
There are roughly …
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2022
ISO
I, like many people, thought that lower ISO means less noise. However this isn't true, at least not for modern camera. As a first order approximation, my understanding is that the signal path looks something like this:
- Photons impact the sensor
- Sensor generates electrical signal
- ISO amplifier amplifies the …
Feb 09
2022
I recently got a iOptron SmartEQ Pro+ mount and while setting it up I was confused over the time. Should it be local time and then I set the UTC offset in minutes? What do I do with the DST setting?
One way I found of checking whether my settings …
Apr 22
2011
Found NGC 4594, aka the Sombrero Galaxy.
In addition also found what is probably cataracts in my eyes \>.\<
Cheers,
Steve
Mar 26
2010
- Maximum RA guide pulse is 1000ms (1s). If PHD is not locking on to the star and it says "dur=1000" in the status bar, a better polar alignment is required.
- RA hysteresis is used in a 2-term weighted moving average:
RA_dist = (1.0 - RA_hysteresis) * RA_dist + RA_hysteresis * last_guide
Cheers,
Steve …
Mar 11
2010
I finally managed to find some galaxies last night. This has been something that has eluded me due to my location, inexperience, and frankly inadequate equipment. (You in the back! Stop snickering!)
Last night, with my Canon 1000D I caught the barest glimpses of M83 and NGC 5128, aka the …
Sep 21
2009
gnuplot can be used to fit a fourier series to a series of data points. In my case it was an observation log for the star BE Lyncis from the Bossom Observatory, curtsey of Geir Klingenberg.
Firstly one needs to define a time function t(x) such that as x …
Jun 20
2008
From the website:
“StarStuff is ABC NewsRadio's flagship Astronomy, Cosmology, Space and Science program. “
It is hosted by Stuart Gary and it is the only public program on TV or radio which is dedicated to science.
And it is about to be axed to make way for a 30 minute …
May 09
2007
After seeing what can be done with a webcam, I decided to try it. I asked my cousin for her webcam which she bought a while back - some generic Chinese product, with no identifying brands. macam reported it as Generic ZC031P Webcam.
So anyway I dis-assembled it (with permission of …