Plate Scale arcsec per Pixel CCD Calculator
Local small-angle CCD scale with effective focal length at actual configuration; not full detector exact field or WCS projection. Caller independently establishes frames, units, epoch, covariance and instrument context; not an identity, association or astrometric quality certification.
Description
Pixel pitch and focal length determine a small-angle plate scale.
Pixel pitch and focal length determine a small-angle plate scale.1
Effective focal length must reflect the actual optical configuration. Use Plate Scale arcsec per Pixel CCD Calculator to evaluate the supplied inputs under the model explained below.
When to use Plate Scale arcsec per Pixel CCD Calculator
Use Plate Scale arcsec per Pixel CCD Calculator to evaluate the supplied inputs under the model explained below. Establish the units, measurement scope and model assumptions before entering values.
How to use Plate Scale arcsec per Pixel CCD Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the units, measurement scope and model assumptions before entering values.
- Enter Pixel pitch micrometers, Effective focal mm using the field table and validation rules below, then run the tool.
- Read Small angle plate scale arcsec per pixel; interpret the units, signs, ordering and unknown-value placeholders described below.
- Correct reported input errors and rerun. Apply successful results according to their specific meanings and check the assumptions before using them in a decision.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| pixelPitchMicrometers | Pixel pitch micrometers | number | Required; constraints below |
| effectiveFocalMm | Effective focal mm | number | Required; constraints below |
Enter positive pixel pitch in μm and effective focal length in mm. Convert pitch to mm, divide by focal length and convert the small angle from radians to arcsec. No sensor binning, distortion or focal-length calibration is inferred.
plateScaleArcsecPerPixel=(pixelPitchMicrometers/1000/focalMm)×180/π×3600 Use the field order, units and branch conditions described above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| smallAnglePlateScaleArcsecPerPixel | Small angle plate scale arcsec per pixel | number |
{
"input": {
"pixelPitchMicrometers": 5,
"effectiveFocalMm": 1000
},
"output": {
"smallAnglePlateScaleArcsecPerPixel": 1.0313240312354819
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Effective focal length must reflect the actual optical configuration. Apply the exact scope and assumptions explained above.
All listed fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, incorrect types, nonfinite numbers and sparse arrays fail validation. Domain-specific bounds, alignments and supported tokens are explained above; extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. Input errors differ from successful false results, empty match lists and unknown-evidence placeholders.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Telescope Magnification From Focal Lengths for a related task: Telescope magnification compares the telescope and eyepiece focal lengths.
Use Barlow Effective Focal Length for a related task: A Barlow changes effective focal length according to its matched gain.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Telescope Magnification From Focal Lengths
Telescope magnification compares the telescope and eyepiece focal lengths.
- Barlow Effective Focal Length
A Barlow changes effective focal length according to its matched gain.