Sub-exposure Optimizer
Use camera read-noise data, gain, focal ratio, filter and South African sky quality to find a sensible sky-limited sub-exposure range.
Advanced optics & imaging
Astro Lab
Go beyond basic field-of-view calculations. Model your optical train, plan camera exposures, judge planetary seeing and understand what a telescope-and-eyepiece combination will really show.
Optics & imaging tools
The Lab is designed for practical equipment decisions and observing-session planning.
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Barlow & Focal Reducer
See exactly how a Barlow or reducer changes focal length, focal ratio, visual power, exit pupil, camera sampling and field of view.
Open optical train simulatorPlanetary Seeing Forecast
Separate cloud transparency from atmospheric steadiness with upper-air wind and temperature-gradient guidance for planetary observing.
Eyepiece View Simulator
Compare eyepiece focal length and apparent field visually, with realistic warnings for excessive power and empty magnification.
Deep-Sky Exposure Planner
Choose a popular target, telescope, camera, gain, filter and sky quality to estimate useful sub-exposures and total integration time.
Why a separate Lab?
These tools model optical and imaging trade-offs in more detail than the general Astronomy Tools. They complement, rather than replace, the existing calculators and observing planners.