NextAstro documentation

Python scripting

Control OBS from Python scripts and notebooks, with a first working script and example library.

Python setup

Run from the OBS checkout or a notebook, connect to the local console and discover equipment.

Python API reference

Sessions, mount, camera, filters, focus, rotator, native captures and image measurements.

Python example library

Thirteen worked examples with commands, complete Python source and suggested experiments.

Handover, stopping and results

Understand session ownership, manual mode, cancellation, raw files and command recovery.

Protocol and compiled OBS

Local console protocol and using student Python alongside a compiled OBS distribution.

Python examples

Discover equipment

Read capabilities and typed equipment telemetry.

First exposure

Slew to a target and acquire saved FITS frames.

Colour sequence

Observe a target through multiple filters.

Variable star time series

Collect a time series and measure aperture photometry.

CSV target list

Observe targets listed in a CSV file.

Exposure ladder

Compare signal and saturation at different exposure times.

Dark current study

Measure dark signal at a selected temperature.

Photon transfer curve

Estimate conversion gain using pairs of images.

Focus curve

Measure image width against focuser position.

Adaptive flat exposures

Choose the next flat exposure using measured image levels.

Dithered sequence

Acquire a cross-shaped sequence of sky offsets.

Video, planet and speckle

Use native capture modes and inspect their results.

Rotator calibration sequence

Step through mechanical angles, flats, darks and biases.

Example support code

Shared command-line helpers, session handling and sample target CSV.

Start here

Getting started

Find your observatory, choose an observing workflow and follow its progress.

Observing

Linear scripts

Create and run ordered telescope commands, exposures, derotation and camera warming.

Project coordinates

Understand right ascension, declination and saved project target positions.

Mosaic rotation

Choose mosaic grid rotation and understand camera orientation, coverage and overlap.

Observatory settings

Filter flats

Adjust each filter’s flat exposure quantity and acquisition order.

Azimuth protection

Configure directional observing maps and understand calendar warnings and queue behaviour.