Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) estimates

[Tim Haymes]

I would like to estimate SNR in my FITS images before observations start. What do imagers use to make this estimate?  A free software tool would be nice.  I do have AstroArt5

This image shows a cross section through Europa before occulting a dim star.  Eyeball tells me the STN >100,  but a better estimate would be good  [ C11, W25 filter, 200ms, QHY174m ] – Thank you !

 

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[David Swan]

Hi Tim. AstroImageJ (often seen contracted as AIJ) – built on Image J, which is used widely in research – does it quite nicely.

[Grant Privett]

AstroArt7 does too – but obviously you would need a paid upgrade. Though AA7 is impressive and, most importantly, has a nice scripting language which is useful.

[Dr Paul Leyland]

Personally I use MaximDL but that is an expensive option.

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