astro-dso-doc · diff
git:20260514.d1e2021 to git:20260514.a73bacd
17 added, 0 removed. Audit B to B.
---
name: astro-dso-doc
description: Generates a complete, polished HTML documentation page, a processing checklist, an AstroBin post JSON, AND a ready-to-paste PixInsight project Description field for a deep-sky object (DSO) astrophotography project. Use this skill whenever the user mentions astrophotography, a DSO name (NGC, IC, Messier, Sharpless, etc.), wants to document an imaging session, mentions PixInsight project documentation, wants to create an observation report, or asks to generate a page/document for a nebula, galaxy, cluster, or other deep-sky target. Triggers on phrases like "create doc for NGC XXXX", "generate DSO page", "document my session on", "make a PixInsight doc for", "astro documentation page", "pixinsight project description", "description field pixinsight", "processing checklist", "workflow checklist", "astrobin", "astrobin post", "astrobin upload". Always use this skill — not a generic HTML generator — when the subject is a deep-sky object.
---
# Astro DSO Documentation Generator
Generates four deliverables for a deep-sky object (DSO) astrophotography project:
1. **`project.json`** — a flat JSON file containing the PixInsight project description data (copy the `description` field value into the Description box of `.xosm`)
2. **`doc/index.html`** — a rich, self-contained HTML documentation page (path goes into the Documentation field of `.xosm`), using the Catppuccin flavor palette with a theme switcher.
3. **`doc/processing-checklist.html`** — an interactive step-by-step PixInsight processing checklist adapted to the target's filter set (LRGB, HOO, SHO, RGB-only, etc.), using the same Catppuccin design system.
4. **`astrobin.json`** — a structured JSON file containing all AstroBin image post fields, ready to copy-paste into the AstroBin upload form.
---
## Workflow
### Step 1 — Identify the Target
Extract the DSO name/catalog number from the user's message. If ambiguous or missing, ask for it before proceeding.
Common catalog prefixes: NGC, IC, M (Messier), Sh2 (Sharpless), B (Barnard), vdB, LBN, LDN, Ced, RCW.
---
### Step 2 — Collect Acquisition Data (interactive)
Ask the user the following questions **one block at a time** (don't dump all at once). Wait for answers before proceeding.
**Block A — Instrument:**
```
What instrument did you use?
(e.g. telescope model, focal length, f-ratio, camera, built-in filter)
```
**Block B — Site:**
```
Where did you image from?
(location name, lat/lon if known, approximate altitude)
```
**Block C — Session files:**
```
Please provide the path to the folder or list of session files.
(e.g. /path/to/sessions/ or paste filenames directly)
```
If the user gives a **directory path**, scan it with Bash:
```bash
ls -1 /path/to/sessions/ | grep -iE '\.(tiff?|fits?|xisf|cr2|nef|dng|raf|jpg|jpeg|png)$' | sort
```
Present the sorted list for confirmation before proceeding.
If the user **pastes filenames directly**, accept them as-is.
**Block D — Optional extras** (ask once, accept "skip" gracefully):
```
Any additional notes? (sky conditions, Bortle class, total integration time, etc.)
```
---
### Step 3 — Research the DSO
Use `web_search` to gather comprehensive data. Run **at least 3 searches** in parallel or sequence:
1. `{DSO name} {common name} astronomical data distance magnitude type constellation`
2. `{DSO name} star forming region physical properties HII nebula galaxy cluster`
3. `{DSO name} NASA Hubble ESA observations history discovery`
4. (if nebula) `{DSO name} astrophotography imaging narrowband dual-band filter tips`
Collect:
- Coordinates (RA / Dec J2000)
- Distance (ly and parsecs)
- Apparent size (arcmin)
- Visual magnitude
- Physical diameter
- Object type (HII region, reflection nebula, galaxy, globular cluster, etc.)
- Discovery history (who, when, instrument)
- Physical structure and processes
- Notable stars or ionizing sources
- Observation/imaging notes
- Key references (NASA, ESA, SIMBAD, catalogues)
- All catalog designations (NGC, IC, Sh2, LBN, etc.)
---
### Step 4 — Generate project.json
Build a **flat JSON object** (no nesting, no indentation) representing the PixInsight project
description. Save it as `./project.json` in the current working directory using Bash:
```bash
cat > ./project.json << 'EOF'
{"target":"NGC2174","common_name":"Monkey Head Nebula","constellation":"Orion","ra":"06h 09m 42s","dec":"+20° 30' 00\"","object_type":"H II Region","telescope":"Vaonis Vespera 1 (50mm f/4)","camera":"Sony IMX585 (built-in)","filter":"Dual-band built-in (Ha + OIII)","site":"Dark Sky Site","site_coords":"45.0N / 6.0E · ~900m","session_count":6,"sessions":["2026-03-19_19h04.tiff","2026-03-20_18h48.tiff","2026-03-23_20h43.tiff","2026-04-07_20h40.tiff","2026-04-08_19h19.tiff","2026-04-16_19h37.tiff"],"stacking":"Internal stacking by instrument","calibration":"Handled internally by the instrument","subs_integrated":"6 / 6","ref_alignment":"","ref_integration":"","notes":"","created":"2026-05-05","description":"TARGET : NGC2174 – Monkey Head Nebula\nConstellation: Orion | RA 06h 09m 42s / Dec +20° 30' 00\"\n\n── EQUIPMENT ────────────────────────────────────────────\nTelescope : Vaonis Vespera 1 (50mm f/4)\nCamera : Sony IMX585 (built-in)\nFilter : Dual-band built-in (Ha + OIII)\nSite : Dark Sky Site (45.0N / 6.0E · ~900m)\n\n── SESSIONS ─────────────────────────────────────────────\n2026-03-19_19h04.tiff\n2026-03-20_18h48.tiff\n2026-03-23_20h43.tiff\n2026-04-07_20h40.tiff\n2026-04-08_19h19.tiff\n2026-04-16_19h37.tiff\n\nTotal : 6 sessions | Internal stacking by instrument\nCalibration : Handled internally by the instrument\n\n── INTEGRATION ──────────────────────────────────────────\nSubs integrated : 6 / 6\nRef. alignment :\nRef. integration :\n\n────────────────────────────────────────────────────────\nProject created : 2026-05-05"}
EOF
```
JSON field rules:
- **No indentation** — the entire JSON must be a single line (minified)
- All string values use `\n` for newlines within the `description` field
- `ref_alignment` and `ref_integration` are always **empty strings** `""` — the user fills them in PixInsight
- `calibration`: `"Handled internally by the instrument"` for smart telescopes; `"Darks / Flats / Bias"` otherwise
- `sessions` array: filenames sorted chronologically, no path prefix
- `description` field: the full plain-text block (same format as before, using `\n` escapes) ready to paste into PixInsight's Description box
- `notes`: empty string `""` if user skipped Block D; otherwise the user's text
After writing the file, confirm the path to the user.
---
### Step 5 — Generate the HTML Documentation Page
Read the full HTML template from `references/documentation-template.html`.
Fill in all the template placeholders using:
- Research data (Step 3)
- Acquisition data (Step 2)
- Session file list (Step 2C)
Create the `doc/` directory if it does not exist, then save the output:
```bash
mkdir -p ./doc
```
Save the file as `./doc/index.html`.
Tell the user the full path of the generated file, and remind them:
- **Documentation field** of the PixInsight project → path to `doc/index.html`
- **Description field** of the PixInsight project → copy the value of the `description` key from `project.json`
---
### Step 5b — Generate the Processing Checklist
Read the full checklist template from `references/processing-checklist-template.html`.
#### 5b.1 — Detect filter set
Before filling the template, determine the workflow mode from the `filter` field in project.json:
| Filter value contains | Workflow mode | Active channels |
|---|---|---|
| `Luminance` + `Red` + `Green` + `Blue` | **LRGB** | L, R, G, B |
| `Red` + `Green` + `Blue` (no Lum) | **RGB** | R, G, B |
| `Ha` + `OIII` (no RGB) | **HOO** | Hα, OIII |
| `Ha` + `OIII` + `SII` | **SHO** | Hα, OIII, SII |
| `Ha` + `RGB` | **HαRGB** | Hα, R, G, B |
| `Ha` + `OIII` + `RGB` | **HOO+RGB** | Hα, OIII, R, G, B |
| Single filter only | **Mono** | That channel only |
#### 5b.2 — Parse per-channel exposure times
Parse the `sessions` array from project.json to extract per-channel totals.
**Case A — sessions is an array of summary strings** (e.g. `"Luminance: 3h 00m (36 × 300s)"`):
Extract directly from the string content.
**Case B — sessions is an array of filenames** (e.g. `CHI-1-CMOS_2023-07-26_NGC253_Blue_300s_ID374118_cal.fits`):
Count files per filter keyword (`Blue`, `Green`, `Red`, `Luminance`, `Ha`, `Halpha`, `OIII`, `SII`) and compute total exposure using the sub duration from the filename or from `subs_integrated`.
If per-channel data cannot be parsed, use `—` as the placeholder value.
#### 5b.3 — Fill placeholders
| Placeholder | Value |
|---|---|
| `{{DSO_ID}}` | `target` field from project.json (e.g. `NGC 4594`) |
| `{{COMMON_NAME}}` | `common_name` field |
| `{{CONSTELLATION}}` | `constellation` field |
| `{{OBJECT_TYPE}}` | `object_type` field, uppercased |
| `{{CAMERA}}` | `camera` field |
| `{{INSTRUMENT}}` | `telescope` field |
| `{{FILTER}}` | `filter` field |
| `{{SITE}}` | `site` field |
| `{{TOTAL_EXPOSURE}}` | `total_exposure` field (or computed from sessions) |
| `{{TOTAL_SUBS}}` | numeric portion of `subs_integrated` (e.g. `120`) |
| `{{LUM_TIME}}` | parsed Luminance total, e.g. `3h 00m (36 × 300s)` |
| `{{RED_TIME}}` | parsed Red total |
| `{{GREEN_TIME}}` | parsed Green total |
| `{{BLUE_TIME}}` | parsed Blue total |
| `{{HA_TIME}}` | parsed Hα total (omit row if channel absent) |
| `{{OIII_TIME}}` | parsed OIII total (omit row if channel absent) |
| `{{SII_TIME}}` | parsed SII total (omit row if channel absent) |
| `{{GENERATED_DATE}}` | today's date `YYYY-MM-DD` |
| `{{AUTHOR}}` | user name / location from Block B, or `—` |
| `{{DSO_NOTES}}` | user notes from Block D — remove entire section 11 if empty |
Also replace all occurrences of `{{DSO_ID}}` inside `id="step-*"` attributes and the `STORAGE_KEY` constant with a slug version: spaces replaced by hyphens, lowercased (e.g. `ngc-4594`).
#### 5b.4 — Adapt sections to workflow mode
Apply the following structural modifications based on the detected workflow mode:
**LRGB workflow** (default — correct order):
+
- Phase 02: Luminance linear (BXT + NXT only — **no stretch**)
- Phase 03: RGB linear (SPFC + CC + SPCC + BXT + NXT — **no stretch**)
- Phase 04: **LRGBCombination on linear masters** — combine L + RGB before any stretch
- Phase 05: Stretch the LRGB combined image + SCNR
- Phase 06: StarXterminator on stretched LRGB
- Phase 07: Starless LRGB processing (GHS, LHE, USM, SCC, NXT)
- Phase 08: Rescreen stars
- Phase 09: Finalization (Curves, ICC, Export)
**RGB workflow** (no Luminance):
+
- Remove section 04 entirely (Phase 02 — Luminance Processing)
- Remove section 09 entirely (Phase 07 — LRGB Integration)
- Update section numbers accordingly (03→03, 05→04, 06→05, 07→06, 08→07, 10→08, 11→09)
- Change all `tag-lrgb` tags to `tag-rgb` in finalization steps
- Update export filenames from `{{DSO_ID}}_LRGB_final.*` to `{{DSO_ID}}_RGB_final.*`
- Remove Luminance legend item
**HOO / SHO narrowband workflow**:
+
- Remove section 04 (Luminance linear) — keep section 09 if Luminance is present
- In section 05 (RGB linear): rename to "Narrowband Processing (Linear)"
- Replace `ChannelCombination` step with: "PixelMath — HOO / SHO palette assembly"
- Remove SPCC step; replace with: "BackgroundNeutralization + ColorCalibration"
- Keep BlurXterminator, NoiseXterminator, stretch steps
- Replace `SCNR` step with: "Correct magenta stars — CorrectMagentaStars script"
- Replace `tag-rgb` tags with `tag-nb` throughout narrowband phases
- Uncomment narrowband legend items (`tag-ha`, `tag-oiii`) in the legend section
- Uncomment narrowband data cells (Hα, OIII, SII) in section 01
- Update export filenames to `{{DSO_ID}}_HOO_final.*` or `{{DSO_ID}}_SHO_final.*`
**HαRGB workflow**:
+
- Keep full LRGB structure
- Add one step after `ChannelCombination` in section 05: "PixelMath — Integrate Hα into Red channel (HαRGB blend)"
- Uncomment Hα legend item and data cell
- Tag the new step with `tag-ha` and `tag-rgb`
**Smart telescope / pre-stacked** (single session file per filter, `stacking` = "Internal stacking by instrument"):
+
- Replace the entire Phase 01 (section 03) with a single step:
+
```
Import pre-stacked masters
Copy the stacked output files into the project folder.
No WBPP run required — calibration and stacking handled by the instrument.
```
+
- Remove Blink Comparator steps
#### 5b.5 — Save the file
```bash
cat > ./doc/processing-checklist.html << 'EOF'
[filled and adapted template content]
EOF
```
Tell the user:
+
- **Processing Checklist** → `doc/processing-checklist.html`
Checklist state (checked steps) persists across browser reloads via `localStorage`, keyed by DSO slug.
---
### Step 5c — Generate astrobin.json
Build the AstroBin post fields JSON from all previously collected data (Steps 2, 3, 4).
#### 5c.1 — Field mapping rules
| AstroBin field | Source | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| `title` | `common_name` + `target` from project.json | Format: `"Common Name (DSO_ID)"` — e.g. `"Sombrero Galaxy (NGC 4594)"` |
| `description` | Research data (Step 3) + acquisition summary | 3–5 sentences in English. Scientific summary + total integration + filter set. Plain text, no HTML. |
| `link` | Telescope.live dataset URL if applicable | See 5c.2 below |
| `image_file` | — | Always `""` — user uploads the image manually |
| `imaging_telescopes` | `telescope` from project.json | Array of objects — see 5c.3 |
| `imaging_cameras` | `camera` from project.json | Array of objects — see 5c.3 |
| `mounts` | — | Empty array `[]` unless user provided mount info in Block A |
| `filters` | `filter` from project.json | Array of objects — one per channel — see 5c.4 |
| `software` | Always PixInsight | Fixed value — see 5c.3 |
| `location` | `site` + `site_coords` from project.json | Object — see 5c.3 |
| `acquisition_details` | `sessions` array from project.json | Array of objects — one per filter channel — see 5c.5 |
| `first_acquisition_date` | Earliest date parsed from sessions | `YYYY-MM-DD` format |
| `last_acquisition_date` | Latest date parsed from sessions | `YYYY-MM-DD` format |
| `data_source` | `"OWN"` or `"AMATEUR_HOSTING"` | `"AMATEUR_HOSTING"` if site contains "telescope.live", "itelescope", "lightbuckets", "slooh"; otherwise `"OWN"` |
| `remote_source` | Remote hosting label | `"TELELIVE"` if telescope.live; `"ITELESCOPE"` if iTelescope; `""` otherwise |
| `subject_type` | Derived from `object_type` in project.json | See 5c.6 |
#### 5c.2 — Dataset link (telescope.live)
If `site` or `telescope` contains "telescope.live" or "Telescope.live":
+
- Set `link` to `"https://app.telescope.live/archive"` as the default dataset URL.
- If the user provided a specific dataset URL in Block D, use it instead.
- Otherwise set `link` to `""`.
#### 5c.3 — Equipment objects
**imaging_telescopes** — one object per telescope:
+
```json
{
"name": "Telescope.live Remote Observatory",
"aperture": null,
"focal_length": null,
"type": "REFRACTOR"
}
```
+
Parse aperture (mm) and focal length (mm) from the telescope string if present (e.g. `"50mm f/4"` → `aperture: 50, focal_length: 200`).
Type heuristics: contains "Newton" or "Newtonian" → `"NEWTONIAN"`, "Cassegrain" or "SCT" → `"SCT"`, "Refractor" or "APO" or "ED" or "f/" → `"REFRACTOR"`, "Reflector" → `"REFLECTOR"`, otherwise `"OTHER"`.
**imaging_cameras** — one object:
+
```json
{
"name": "QHY 600M",
"type": "CCD",
"modified": false
}
```
+
Type: if camera name contains "IMX", "CMOS", "ASI", "QHY", "ZWO", "Atik Horizon" → `"CCD"` (AstroBin uses CCD for all dedicated astro cameras). `modified` always `false` unless user stated "modded" or "full spectrum".
**software** — always:
+
```json
[{"name": "PixInsight", "version": ""}]
```
#### 5c.4 — Filters array
Parse the `filter` field from project.json. Produce one object per distinct channel:
```json
{
"name": "Luminance",
"type": "L",
"bandwidth": null,
"vendor": "",
"model": ""
}
```
Filter type mapping:
| Channel keyword | AstroBin type |
|---|---|
| Luminance, Lum, L | `"L"` |
| Red, R | `"R"` |
| Green, G | `"G"` |
| Blue, B | `"B"` |
| Hα, Ha, H-alpha | `"Ha"` |
| OIII, O3 | `"OIII"` |
| SII, S2 | `"SII"` |
| Dual-band, dual band | produce two objects: `"Ha"` + `"OIII"` |
| Tri-band, tri band | produce three objects: `"Ha"` + `"OIII"` + `"SII"` |
If the filter string includes a bandwidth (e.g. `"3nm"`, `"6.5nm"`, `"7 nm"`), set `bandwidth` to the numeric value in nm. Extract vendor/model if present (e.g. `"Antlia 3nm Ha"` → `vendor: "Antlia"`, `model: "3nm Ha"`).
#### 5c.5 — Acquisition details (DeepSky sessions)
Produce one object per filter channel. Parse per-channel data from the `sessions` array (same logic as Step 5b.2).
```json
{
"filter": "Luminance",
"filter_type": "L",
"number": 36,
"duration": 300,
"binning": 1,
"gain": null,
"sensor_cooling": null,
"darks": null,
"flats": null,
"flat_darks": null,
"bias": null,
"bortle": null,
"mean_sqm": null,
"mean_fwhm": null,
"temperature": null,
"date": "YYYY-MM-DD"
}
```
Field rules:
+
- `number` — sub count for this filter channel
- `duration` — sub duration in seconds (parse from filename or session string, e.g. `300s`, `300.00s`)
- `binning` — always `1` unless user specified otherwise
- `gain` — parse from filename if present (e.g. `_GAIN100_`), otherwise `null`
- `bortle` — parse from Block D notes if user mentioned Bortle class, otherwise `null`
- `date` — use the first date found for this filter in the sessions array; format `YYYY-MM-DD`
- All other fields `null` unless explicitly provided by the user
#### 5c.6 — Subject type mapping
| object_type contains | AstroBin subject_type |
|---|---|
| Galaxy, Galaxies | `"GALAXY"` |
| Nebula, HII, H II, Emission | `"NEBULA"` |
| Cluster, Open cluster | `"OPEN_CLUSTER"` |
| Globular | `"GLOBULAR_CLUSTER"` |
| Planetary nebula | `"PLANETARY_NEBULA"` |
| Supernova remnant, SNR | `"SUPERNOVA_REMNANT"` |
| Solar system | `"SOLAR_SYSTEM_BODY"` |
| Other / unknown | `"OTHER"` |
#### 5c.7 — Save the file
Save as `./astrobin.json` (pretty-printed, 2-space indent — unlike project.json this one is for human reading):
```bash
cat > ./astrobin.json << 'EOF'
{
"title": "...",
...
}
EOF
```
**Example output** (M104, LRGB, Telescope.live):
+
```json
{
"title": "Sombrero Galaxy (NGC 4594)",
"description": "The Sombrero Galaxy (NGC 4594) is a spectacular Sa/Sb spiral galaxy in Virgo, located approximately 28 million light-years away. Its iconic silhouette features a brilliant central bulge bisected by a prominent dust lane. Imaged in LRGB from the Telescope.live Chile remote observatory using a QHY 600M camera over 10 hours of total integration (36×300s Luminance, 27×300s Red, 29×300s Green, 28×300s Blue). Processed in PixInsight.",
"link": "https://app.telescope.live/archive",
"image_file": "",
"imaging_telescopes": [
{
"name": "Telescope.live Remote Observatory",
"aperture": null,
"focal_length": null,
"type": "REFRACTOR"
}
],
"imaging_cameras": [
{
"name": "QHY 600M",
"type": "CCD",
"modified": false
}
],
"mounts": [],
"filters": [
{ "name": "Luminance", "type": "L", "bandwidth": null, "vendor": "", "model": "" },
{ "name": "Red", "type": "R", "bandwidth": null, "vendor": "", "model": "" },
{ "name": "Green", "type": "G", "bandwidth": null, "vendor": "", "model": "" },
{ "name": "Blue", "type": "B", "bandwidth": null, "vendor": "", "model": "" }
],
"software": [
{ "name": "PixInsight", "version": "" }
],
"location": {
"name": "Chile Remote Observatory",
"coords": "Chile · Southern Hemisphere"
},
"subject_type": "GALAXY",
"data_source": "AMATEUR_HOSTING",
"remote_source": "TELELIVE",
"first_acquisition_date": "2023-02-15",
"last_acquisition_date": "2025-03-06",
"acquisition_details": [
{
"filter": "Luminance", "filter_type": "L",
"number": 36, "duration": 300, "binning": 1,
"gain": null, "sensor_cooling": null,
"darks": null, "flats": null, "flat_darks": null, "bias": null,
"bortle": null, "mean_sqm": null, "mean_fwhm": null, "temperature": null,
"date": "2023-02-15"
},
{
"filter": "Red", "filter_type": "R",
"number": 27, "duration": 300, "binning": 1,
"gain": null, "sensor_cooling": null,
"darks": null, "flats": null, "flat_darks": null, "bias": null,
"bortle": null, "mean_sqm": null, "mean_fwhm": null, "temperature": null,
"date": "2023-02-15"
},
{
"filter": "Green", "filter_type": "G",
"number": 29, "duration": 300, "binning": 1,
"gain": null, "sensor_cooling": null,
"darks": null, "flats": null, "flat_darks": null, "bias": null,
"bortle": null, "mean_sqm": null, "mean_fwhm": null, "temperature": null,
"date": "2023-02-15"
},
{
"filter": "Blue", "filter_type": "B",
"number": 28, "duration": 300, "binning": 1,
"gain": null, "sensor_cooling": null,
"darks": null, "flats": null, "flat_darks": null, "bias": null,
"bortle": null, "mean_sqm": null, "mean_fwhm": null, "temperature": null,
"date": "2023-02-15"
}
]
}
```
Tell the user:
+
- **AstroBin post fields** → `astrobin.json`
- Fields `imaging_telescopes`, `imaging_cameras`, `filters`, `acquisition_details` map 1:1 to AstroBin's "Equipment" and "Acquisition" sections.
- `image_file` must be filled manually when uploading.
---
### Step 6 — Copy Description to Clipboard
Run the following command to place the PixInsight description text directly into the clipboard:
```bash
cat project.json | jq -r '.description' | pbcopy
```
If the command succeeds (exit code 0), tell the user:
> ✓ Description copied to clipboard — paste it directly into the PixInsight project Description field.
If it fails (e.g. `jq` or `pbcopy` not found), show the fallback message:
> ⚠ Clipboard copy unavailable. Open `project.json` and copy the value of the `description` key manually.
---
## Template Placeholders Reference
See `references/documentation-template.html` for the full annotated documentation template.
See `references/processing-checklist-template.html` for the full annotated checklist template.
### Documentation template (`references/documentation-template.html`)
Key placeholders:
- `{{DSO_ID}}` — e.g. `NGC2174`
- `{{COMMON_NAME}}` — e.g. `Monkey Head Nebula`
- `{{RA}}`, `{{DEC}}` — J2000 coordinates
- `{{DISTANCE_LY}}`, `{{DISTANCE_PC}}` — with uncertainty range if known
- `{{APPARENT_SIZE}}` — e.g. `40′ × 30′`
- `{{MAGNITUDE}}` — visual magnitude
- `{{PHYSICAL_DIAMETER}}` — e.g. `~75 ly`
- `{{OBJECT_TYPE}}` — e.g. `H II Region`
- `{{CONSTELLATION}}` — full name
- `{{CATALOG_ROWS}}` — `<tr>` rows for the catalog table
- `{{SCIENTIFIC_DESCRIPTION}}` — 3–5 `<p>` paragraphs
- `{{KEY_STAR_BLOCK}}` — filled if a dominant ionizing/notable star exists, else empty
- `{{TIMELINE_ITEMS}}` — `<div class="timeline-item">` blocks for history
- `{{PHYSICAL_STRUCTURE}}` — 3–4 `<p>` paragraphs
- `{{OBSERVATION_TIPS}}` — `<div class="tip-card">` blocks
- `{{INSTRUMENT}}`, `{{FILTER}}`, `{{SITE}}`, `{{SITE_COORDS}}` — acquisition fields
- `{{SESSION_COUNT}}` — integer
- `{{SESSION_FILES}}` — `<span class="session-file">filename</span>` per file
- `{{REFERENCES_ROWS}}` — `<tr>` rows for references table
- `{{GENERATED_DATE}}` — today's date `YYYY-MM-DD`
- `{{AUTHOR_NOTES}}` — optional free-text notes block (omit section if empty)
### Checklist template (`references/processing-checklist-template.html`)
Key placeholders:
- `{{DSO_ID}}` — e.g. `NGC 4594` (display) and `ngc-4594` (slug for IDs and localStorage)
- `{{COMMON_NAME}}` — e.g. `Sombrero Galaxy`
- `{{CONSTELLATION}}` — full name
- `{{OBJECT_TYPE}}` — uppercased, e.g. `SPIRAL GALAXY`
- `{{CAMERA}}` — e.g. `QHY 600M`
- `{{INSTRUMENT}}` — e.g. `Telescope.live Remote Observatory`
- `{{FILTER}}` — e.g. `LRGB`
- `{{SITE}}` — e.g. `Chile Remote Observatory`
- `{{TOTAL_EXPOSURE}}` — e.g. `10h 00m`
- `{{TOTAL_SUBS}}` — integer only, e.g. `120`
- `{{LUM_TIME}}` — e.g. `3h 00m (36 × 300s)`
- `{{RED_TIME}}`, `{{GREEN_TIME}}`, `{{BLUE_TIME}}` — per-channel exposure
- `{{HA_TIME}}`, `{{OIII_TIME}}`, `{{SII_TIME}}` — narrowband channels (omit if absent)
- `{{GENERATED_DATE}}` — `YYYY-MM-DD`
- `{{AUTHOR}}` — observer name / location
- `{{DSO_NOTES}}` — free-text processing notes (omit section 11 if empty)
### AstroBin JSON (`astrobin.json`)
Key fields and their sources:
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| `title` | `"{{COMMON_NAME}} ({{DSO_ID}})"` |
| `description` | 3–5 sentences from research + acquisition summary |
| `link` | `"https://app.telescope.live/archive"` if telescope.live, else `""` |
| `imaging_telescopes[].name` | `telescope` from project.json |
| `imaging_telescopes[].aperture` | parsed from telescope string (mm) or `null` |
| `imaging_telescopes[].focal_length` | parsed from telescope string (mm) or `null` |
| `imaging_telescopes[].type` | heuristic from telescope string |
| `imaging_cameras[].name` | `camera` from project.json |
| `imaging_cameras[].type` | always `"CCD"` for dedicated astro cameras |
| `filters[].type` | mapped from filter channel name |
| `filters[].bandwidth` | parsed from filter string (nm) or `null` |
| `software` | always `[{"name": "PixInsight", "version": ""}]` |
| `location.name` | `site` from project.json |
| `location.coords` | `site_coords` from project.json |
| `subject_type` | mapped from `object_type` |
| `data_source` | `"AMATEUR_HOSTING"` or `"OWN"` |
| `remote_source` | `"TELELIVE"`, `"ITELESCOPE"`, or `""` |
| `first_acquisition_date` | earliest date from sessions |
| `last_acquisition_date` | latest date from sessions |
| `acquisition_details[].filter` | channel name |
| `acquisition_details[].number` | sub count for that channel |
| `acquisition_details[].duration` | sub duration in seconds |
| Class | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| `tag-lum` | mauve | Luminance channel only |
| `tag-rgb` | blue | RGB channels |
| `tag-ha` | red | Hα channel |
| `tag-oiii` | sapphire | OIII channel |
| `tag-nb` | yellow | Generic narrowband |
| `tag-lrgb` | pink | LRGB combined step |
| `tag-warn` | peach | Target-specific warning |
| `tag-tip` | teal | Optional / tip |
---
## Quality Standards
**`project.json`:**
- Single-line minified JSON — no indentation, no pretty-printing
- `description` field contains the full plain-text PixInsight Description block with `\n` escapes
- `ref_alignment` and `ref_integration` always empty strings `""`
- `sessions` array sorted chronologically
- All fields always present; use `""` or `0` for missing optional values, never `null`
**`doc/index.html`:**
- `doc/` directory created automatically if absent
- All 4 Catppuccin flavors wired up: Latte, Frappé, Macchiato (default), Mocha
- Theme preference persists via `localStorage`
- Fully self-contained — single HTML file, no external dependencies except Google Fonts
- Sections with no data omitted gracefully
- Session files in chronological order
- All scientific content from actual web searches — never fabricate measurements
- Uncertainty ranges cited when distance estimates vary between sources
**`doc/processing-checklist.html`:**
- `doc/` directory created automatically if absent (same run as index.html)
- All 4 Catppuccin flavors wired up with the same theme switcher and localStorage key
- Checklist state (checked / unchecked steps) persists via `localStorage` keyed by DSO slug
- Workflow mode (LRGB / RGB / HOO / SHO / HαRGB) correctly detected and applied
- Unused filter channels removed from data grid and legend
- Section numbers resequenced after any section removal
- Export filenames match the detected workflow mode
- All `{{DSO_ID}}` occurrences in HTML attributes replaced with the slug version
- `STORAGE_KEY` constant in the `<script>` block updated to `checklist-{dso-slug}`
**`astrobin.json`:**
- Pretty-printed with 2-space indent (human-readable)
- `title` follows the format `"Common Name (DSO_ID)"`
- `description` is plain text, 3–5 sentences, no HTML or markdown
- `link` set to `"https://app.telescope.live/archive"` for telescope.live data; `""` otherwise
- `filters` array contains one object per distinct channel — never merge channels
- `acquisition_details` contains one object per channel with correct `number` and `duration`
- `data_source` and `remote_source` correctly reflect the imaging site
- `subject_type` derived from `object_type` using the mapping table in 5c.6
- `software` always `[{"name": "PixInsight", "version": ""}]`
- `mounts` always `[]` unless user provided mount information explicitly
- All numeric fields use numbers, not strings (`300` not `"300"`)
- All unknown/unparseable fields use `null`, never empty string `""`
- `first_acquisition_date` and `last_acquisition_date` in `YYYY-MM-DD` format
---
## Edge Cases
| Situation | Handling |
|---|---|
| DSO not well-documented | Note gaps; still generate all three outputs with available data |
| Directory path given but empty | Ask user to paste filenames manually |
| No session files provided | `sessions: []` in JSON; omit Section 08 from index.html; use `—` in checklist |
| Galaxy / cluster instead of nebula | Skip narrowband tip cards; adapt physical description |
| User skips optional questions | Use `""` in JSON; use `—` placeholders in HTML |
| File extensions unexpected | Accept `.png`, `.jpeg`, `.dng`, `.raf` as well |
| User wants JSON only | Run Steps 1, 2, 4 only — skip Steps 3, 5, 5b, 5c |
| User wants HTML only | Run Steps 1, 2, 3, 5 only — skip Steps 4, 5b, 5c |
| User wants checklist only | Run Steps 1, 2, 5b only — skip Steps 3, 4, 5, 5c |
| Smart telescope (no separate calibration) | `calibration: "Handled internally by the instrument"` — replace Phase 01 in checklist |
| `doc/` already exists | Overwrite HTML files silently — never error on existing directory |
| Pure narrowband (HOO / SHO) | Remove Luminance phase and LRGB combination phase from checklist |
| HαRGB blend | Keep LRGB structure; add PixelMath Hα blend step after ChannelCombination |
| Per-channel times not parseable | Use `—` in checklist data cells; do not fail |
| Sessions array has mixed formats | Parse best-effort; log assumptions to console |
| User wants astrobin only | Run Steps 1, 2, 4, 5c only — skip Steps 3, 5, 5b |
| Dual-band filter (Ha+OIII built-in) | Produce two filter objects in astrobin.json: Ha + OIII |
| Tri-band filter | Produce three filter objects: Ha + OIII + SII |
| No date parseable from sessions | Set `first_acquisition_date` and `last_acquisition_date` to `null` |
| Mount info not provided | `mounts: []` — do not guess or invent |
| Non-telescope.live remote site | Set `data_source: "AMATEUR_HOSTING"`, `remote_source: ""` |
| OWN backyard imaging | Set `data_source: "OWN"`, `remote_source: ""` |
| Gain parseable from filenames | Include numeric gain value in `acquisition_details[].gain` |
| Bortle class mentioned in notes | Include in all `acquisition_details[].bortle` entries |