Solar Eclipse Workbench 1.2.4 Released 📸☀️🌑
More control, more accuracy, and smoother eclipse‑photography workflows
We’re excited to announce the release of Solar Eclipse Workbench version 1.2.4! This update strengthens Solar Eclipse Workbench’s core mission: fully scriptable control of the solar‑eclipse photography process, while continuing to improve the internal eclipse calculations that support that workflow.
What is Solar Eclipse Workbench?
Solar Eclipse Workbench is a scripting and automation tool for solar‑eclipse photography. It is designed for eclipse photographers who want precise, repeatable, and time‑critical control over their imaging workflow during an eclipse.
More information about and installation instructions for Solar Eclipse Workbench can be found at https://github.com/AstroWimSara/SolarEclipseWorkbench
Using Solar Eclipse Workbench, you can:
- Script camera actions before, during, and after an eclipse
(exposure changes, filter handling logic, timing sequences, etc.) - Automatically trigger actions based on eclipse events
- Integrate camera control with external tools and commands
- Reproduce complex eclipse‑photography plans reliably under time pressure
To enable this level of automation, Solar Eclipse Workbench includes the ability to calculate key eclipse reference moments and parameters to react accurately to eclipse phases and timing.
What’s New in Version 1.2.4
Version 1.2.4 focuses on improving scripting flexibility, internal consistency, and scientific accuracy—all in service of more robust eclipse‑photography automation.
✅ New LAST Command in Scripts
A new LAST command has been added to the scripting language. This allows scripts to easily reference the time of the previous command, enabling cleaner logic and more compact eclipse‑photography scripts.
✅ Execute External Commands from Scripts
Scripts can now execute external commands. This is especially useful for eclipse photographers who want to:
- Trigger custom camera‑control software
- Start or stop auxiliary tools
- Run external post‑processing or logging commands
This change greatly improves integration with existing photography setups.
✅ Simplified Installation via pip
Solar Eclipse Workbench can now be installed using:
✅ Internal Calculation of Eclipse Reference Moments
All reference moments needed by eclipse‑photography scripts are now calculated directly inside Solar Eclipse Workbench, without relying on an external library.
- Besselian elements are based on the Five Millennium Canon of Solar Eclipses
This improves reliability, transparency, and reduces external dependencies—important for time‑critical field operation.
✅ More Eclipse Information in the Selection Menu
The eclipse selection drop‑down menu now shows additional context information, including:
- Type of eclipse (total, annular, hybrid, partial)
- Maximum eclipse duration
- Other relevant characteristics
This makes it easier for photographers to select the correct eclipse and tailor their scripts accordingly.
✅ First Unit Tests for the solar_eclipse Module
The first unit tests have been added for the solar_eclipse module. While eclipse calculations are secondary to scripting, their correctness is essential for accurate timing during photography sessions.
These tests lay the foundation for increased confidence and future expansion.
✅ Direct Calculation of Besselian Elements
Besselian elements are now calculated directly in the code, rather than relying on external libraries. This improves:
- Control over the calculations
- Traceability of results
- Long‑term maintainability
All of this supports more reliable timing references for scripted photography actions.
✅ Updated Solar Radius for Improved Accuracy
The solar radius used in calculations has been updated to:
959.95 ± 0.05 arcseconds
This value comes from the Besselian Elements team and reflects the most recent accepted measurements.
Using the latest value improves the precision of eclipse timing and geometry, directly benefiting photography scripts that depend on accurate phase transitions.
In Summary
Solar Eclipse Workbench 1.2.4 continues to evolve as a dedicated scripting platform for solar‑eclipse photography, offering:
- More powerful and flexible scripting
- Better integration with external photography tools
- Improved internal eclipse calculations as a support layer
- Easier installation and stronger reliability foundations
If you rely on scripted control to capture every critical second of a solar eclipse, this release makes your workflow even more robust.
Clear skies and successful captures,
The Solar Eclipse Workbench Team 📸☀️🌑
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