analyze_sampling
ClaudeAnalyze whether a telescope + camera combination is over-, under-, or well-sampled for long-exposure deep-sky imaging. Computes the image scale (arcsec/pixel), a CCD-suitability verdict against the Nyquist-based optimal range for the given seeing (seeing/3 to seeing/2 arcsec per pixel, per astronomy.tools), and a full MTF analysis in the style of the rc-astro MTF Analyzer: diffraction MTF (with central obstruction), long-exposure atmospheric seeing MTF, and pixel MTF, plus the percentage of available detail captured below the sensor Nyquist limit. Either pass seeing_fwhm_arcsec directly, or pass lat/lon to use the current 7Timer seeing forecast for that location. Returns recommended pixel-size and focal-length ranges for the conditions.
calculate_fov
ClaudeCalculate the field of view for a telescope setup. Visual mode (pass eyepiece_focal_length_mm and eyepiece_afov_deg, optionally eyepiece_field_stop_mm): returns magnification, true field of view in degrees, and exit pupil in mm, with warnings for excessive magnification or unusable exit pupils. Imaging mode (pass pixel_size_um, resolution_x, resolution_y): returns pixel scale in arcsec/pixel, sensor field of view in degrees, and focal ratio. The full over/under-sampling verdict is in analyze_sampling.
get_iss_passes
ClaudeUpcoming naked-eye-visible International Space Station passes over a location (SGP4 from the current CelesTrak TLE; observer in twilight or darker, ISS sunlit, peak >= 10°): rise/peak/set times and azimuths, peak elevation, estimated magnitude, pass duration, plus the current ISS position and the TLE epoch.
get_light_pollution
ClaudeEstimate the light pollution at a location: Bortle class (1 = pristine dark site, 9 = inner city), SQM sky brightness estimate, naked-eye limiting magnitude, and observing tips for that sky. The estimate is approximate, derived from settlement type.
get_seeing_forecast
ClaudeGet the astronomical seeing forecast for a location from 7Timer: seeing in arcseconds, seeing index (1-8, lower is better), sky transparency index, atmospheric stability (lifted index), and an hourly forecast of all three. These values indicate whether fine planetary/lunar detail or tight star images are achievable.
get_weather_forecast
ClaudeFetch current conditions and hourly forecasts for a location from up to 6 weather sources (Open-Meteo, OpenWeatherMap, WeatherAPI, Tomorrow.io, AccuWeather, Meteosource) in parallel, plus astronomy data (sun/moon rise/set, twilight, darkness duration). Includes cloud cover, temperature, humidity, dew point, wind, precipitation probability, and per-source seeing ratings. Comparing sources reveals forecast disagreement.
get_weekly_outlook
ClaudeGet a 7-night stargazing outlook for a location: per-night cloud cover, humidity, wind, temperature, precipitation probability, seeing rating (1-5), moon phase and illumination, and an overall quality score with the best night highlighted. Nightly values are averaged over dark hours.
search_location
ClaudeGeocode a place name, address, or postcode to coordinates (via OpenStreetMap Nominatim). Returns the lat/lon that the other tools take as input.
