astrot3k

Create a Python-based Astrophotography Preprocessing Tool using the 'astrot3k' package. This tool will serve as a user-friendly interface for photographers to preprocess their astronomical images before finalizing them. Here’s a detailed outline of the project steps and features:

1. **Project Setup**: Begin by installing the necessary packages including 'astrot3k'. Ensure all dependencies are properly managed using a virtual environment.
2. **User Interface**: Design a simple command-line interface (CLI) that allows users to easily input file paths and select preprocessing options.
3. **Image Loading**: Implement functionality to load multiple FITS or RAW files into the program efficiently.
4. **Preprocessing Options**: Utilize 'astrot3k' to offer various preprocessing steps such as bias correction, dark frame subtraction, flat fielding, and stacking. Each step should have adjustable parameters controlled via the CLI.
5. **Output Management**: Provide an option for users to save processed images in a specified directory, possibly retaining original filenames but with '_processed' appended.
6. **Batch Processing**: Enable batch processing of multiple images at once, ensuring that each image goes through the selected preprocessing steps sequentially.
7. **Progress Tracking**: Display real-time progress of the preprocessing tasks, helping users understand the status of their images.
8. **Error Handling**: Implement robust error handling to manage issues like invalid file formats or missing files gracefully.
9. **Documentation**: Write comprehensive documentation explaining how to install and use the tool, along with examples of common usage scenarios.

The goal is to create a versatile and efficient tool that leverages 'astrot3k' to make astrophotography preprocessing accessible to both beginners and experienced photographers.