Python Developer Needed for Astronomical Map Automation & Benchmarking (Stellarium)
Job Description:
We’re looking for an experienced Python developer to build a tool that automates the generation of sky maps using Stellarium. The system will process a CSV file of locations (latitude/longitude) and UTC timestamps, normalize coordinates using Astropy, and run two parallel image-generation pipelines:
1. Playwright + Stellarium Web – Automate map capture from Stellarium’s web interface.
2. Stellarium Native Script (ECMAScript) – Run Stellarium headlessly via its built-in scripting API.
Your task includes implementing a benchmarking harness to measure performance (latency and throughput) for both pipelines under identical load. The orchestrator should use asyncio and subprocess pooling to manage parallel execution efficiently.
All visual settings (constellations, grid, labels, etc.) will be driven from a shared JSON config file to ensure styling consistency.
Deliverables:
Python orchestrator script with both map-generation methods and benchmarking logic
JSON config file for visual styling
Benchmark report comparing performance and recommending the faster method
CLI batch runner (with arguments for CSV input, concurrency, output path)
Sample output: 3 high-res JPEG maps with naming structure:(sample file names)
ABL250524_00001_new_york_usa_04_21_9pm
ABL250524_00002_new_york_usa_04_21_4am
README with setup instructions (Linux/Windows), dependencies, CLI usage, and headless-mode tips
Ideal Candidate:
Strong Python experience with asyncio and subprocess
Familiarity with Playwright, Stellarium, and headless scripting
Experience with performance benchmarking and automation
Attention to detail for visual consistency and reproducibility
To Apply:
Please share relevant experience (or portfolio examples) with browser automation, scripting Stellarium, or similar scientific tooling. Bonus if you've worked with astronomical data or GIS.