A-Track: A new approach for detection of moving objects in FITS images

We have developed a fast, open-source, cross-platform pipeline, called A-Track, for detecting the moving objects (asteroids and comets) in sequential telescope images in FITS format. The pipeline is coded in Python 3. The moving objects are detected using a modified line detection algorithm, called MILD. We tested the pipeline on astronomical data acquired by an SI-1100 CCD with a 1-meter telescope. We found that A-Track performs very well in terms of detection efficiency, stability, and processing time. The code is hosted on GitHub under the GNU GPL v3 license. Program summary Program title: A-TRACK Catalogue identifier: AFBC_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.ukisummaries/AFBC_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: GNU General Public Licence Version 3 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 313100 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 89443558 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Python 3. Computer: Personal Computer. Operating system: Any OS where Python 3 and subprograms are installed. Classification: 14. External routines: Numpy, Pandas, SExtractor, PyFITS, Alipy, f2n, docopt, Imagemagick, git-all, scipy, matplatlib, astroasciidata. Nature of problem: Asteroid and comet detection. Solution method: A multiple image line detection algorithm for sequential FITS images. Running time: similar to 1 min (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.