setiastrosuitepro 1.6.2.post1__py3-none-any.whl

setiastro/saspro/plate_solver.py

@@ -0,0 +1,2445 @@
+# pro/plate_solver.py
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import re
+import math
+import tempfile
+from typing import Tuple, Dict, Any, Optional
+from functools import lru_cache
+
+import numpy as np
+import json
+import time
+import requests
+from astropy.io import fits
+from astropy.io.fits import Header
+from astropy.wcs import WCS
+
+from PyQt6.QtCore import QProcess, QTimer, QEventLoop, Qt, QCoreApplication
+from PyQt6.QtGui import QIcon
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import (
+    QDialog, QLabel, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QHBoxLayout,
+    QFileDialog, QComboBox, QStackedWidget, QWidget, QMessageBox,
+    QLineEdit, QTextEdit, QApplication, QProgressBar
+)
+
+# === our I/O & stretch — migrate from SASv2 ===
+from setiastro.saspro.legacy.image_manager import load_image, save_image   # <<<< IMPORTANT
+try:
+    from setiastro.saspro.imageops.stretch import stretch_mono_image, stretch_color_image
+except Exception:
+    stretch_mono_image = None
+    stretch_color_image = None
+
+
+_NONFITS_META_KEYS = {
+    "FILE_PATH",
+    "FITS_HEADER",
+    "BIT_DEPTH",
+    "WCS_HEADER",
+    "__HEADER_SNAPSHOT__",
+    "ORIGINAL_HEADER",
+    "PRE_SOLVE_HEADER",
+}
+
+def _strip_nonfits_meta_keys_from_header(h: Header | None) -> Header:
+    """
+    Return a copy of the header with all of our internal, non-FITS metadata
+    keys removed. This prevents HIERARCH warnings and WCS failures on keys
+    like FILE_PATH with very long values.
+    """
+    if not isinstance(h, Header):
+        return Header()
+
+    out = h.copy()
+    for k in list(out.keys()):
+        if k.upper() in _NONFITS_META_KEYS:
+            try:
+                out.remove(k)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+    return out
+
+# --- Lightweight, modeless status popup for headless runs ---
+_STATUS_POPUP = None  # module-level singleton
+
+class _SolveStatusPopup(QDialog):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent, Qt.WindowType.Tool)
+        self.setObjectName("plate_solve_status_popup")
+        self.setWindowTitle(self.tr("Plate Solving"))
+        self.setWindowModality(Qt.WindowModality.NonModal)
+        self.setWindowFlag(Qt.WindowType.WindowStaysOnTopHint, True)
+        self.setMinimumWidth(420)
+
+        lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        lay.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
+        lay.setSpacing(10)
+
+        self.label = QLabel(self.tr("Starting…"), self)
+        self.label.setWordWrap(True)
+        lay.addWidget(self.label)
+
+        self.bar = QProgressBar(self)
+        self.bar.setRange(0, 0)  # indeterminate
+        lay.addWidget(self.bar)
+
+        row = QHBoxLayout()
+        row.addStretch(1)
+        hide_btn = QPushButton(self.tr("Hide"), self)
+        hide_btn.clicked.connect(self.hide)
+        row.addWidget(hide_btn)
+        lay.addLayout(row)
+
+    def update_text(self, text: str):
+        self.label.setText(text or "")
+        self.label.repaint()  # quick visual feedback
+        QApplication.processEvents()
+
+def _status_popup_open(parent, text: str = ""):
+    """Show (or create) the singleton status popup for headless runs."""
+    global _STATUS_POPUP
+    if _STATUS_POPUP is None:
+        host = parent if isinstance(parent, QWidget) else QApplication.activeWindow()
+        _STATUS_POPUP = _SolveStatusPopup(host)
+    if text:
+        _STATUS_POPUP.update_text(text)
+    _STATUS_POPUP.show()
+    _STATUS_POPUP.raise_()
+    QApplication.processEvents()
+    return _STATUS_POPUP
+
+def _status_popup_update(text: str):
+    global _STATUS_POPUP
+    if _STATUS_POPUP is not None:
+        _STATUS_POPUP.update_text(text)
+
+def _status_popup_close():
+    """Hide (but do not destroy) the singleton status popup if it exists."""
+    global _STATUS_POPUP
+    try:
+        if _STATUS_POPUP is not None:
+            _STATUS_POPUP.hide()
+            # keep instance for reuse (fast re-open)
+    except Exception:
+        # Completely safe to ignore; worst case the popup was already gone.
+        pass
+
+def _sleep_ui(ms: int):
+    """Non-blocking sleep that keeps the UI responsive."""
+    loop = QEventLoop()
+    QTimer.singleShot(ms, loop.quit)
+    loop.exec()
+
+def _with_events():
+    """Yield to the UI event loop briefly."""
+    QApplication.processEvents()
+
+def _set_status_ui(parent, text: str):
+    """
+    Update dialog/main-window status or batch log; if neither exists (headless),
+    show/update a small modeless popup. Always pumps events for responsiveness.
+    """
+    try:
+        updated_any = False
+
+        def _do():
+            nonlocal updated_any
+            target = None
+            # Dialog status label?
+            if hasattr(parent, "status") and isinstance(getattr(parent, "status"), QLabel):
+                target = parent.status
+            # Named child fallback
+            if target is None and hasattr(parent, "findChild"):
+                target = parent.findChild(QLabel, "status_label")
+            if target is not None:
+                target.setText(text)
+                updated_any = True
+
+            # Batch log?
+            logw = getattr(parent, "log", None)
+            if logw and hasattr(logw, "append"):
+                tr_status = QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status:")
+                if text and (text.startswith("Status:") or text.startswith(tr_status) or text.startswith("▶") or text.startswith("✔") or text.startswith("❌")):
+                    logw.append(text)
+                    updated_any = True
+
+            # If we couldn't update any inline widget, use the headless popup.
+            if not updated_any:
+                _status_popup_open(parent, text)
+            else:
+                # If inline widgets exist and popup is visible, keep it quiet.
+                _status_popup_update(text)
+
+            QApplication.processEvents()
+
+        if isinstance(parent, QWidget):
+            QTimer.singleShot(0, _do)
+        else:
+            _do()
+    except Exception:
+        # Last-resort popup if even the above failed
+        try:
+            _status_popup_open(parent, text)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+def _wait_process(proc: QProcess, timeout_ms: int, parent=None) -> bool:
+    """
+    Incrementally wait for a QProcess while pumping UI events so the dialog stays responsive.
+    Returns True if the process finished with NormalExit, else False.
+    """
+    deadline = time.monotonic() + (timeout_ms / 1000.0)
+    step_ms = 100
+
+    while time.monotonic() < deadline:
+        if proc.state() == QProcess.ProcessState.NotRunning:
+            break
+        _sleep_ui(step_ms)
+
+    if proc.state() != QProcess.ProcessState.NotRunning:
+        # Timed out: try to stop the process cleanly, then force kill.
+        try:
+            proc.terminate()
+            if not proc.waitForFinished(2000):
+                proc.kill()
+                proc.waitForFinished(2000)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: process timed out."))
+        return False
+
+    if proc.exitStatus() != QProcess.ExitStatus.NormalExit:
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: process did not exit normally."))
+        return False
+
+    return True
+
+# --- astrometry.net config (web API) ---
+ASTROMETRY_API_URL_DEFAULT = "https://nova.astrometry.net/api/"
+
+def _get_astrometry_api_url(settings) -> str:
+    return (settings.value("astrometry/server_url", "", type=str) or ASTROMETRY_API_URL_DEFAULT).rstrip("/") + "/"
+
+def _get_solvefield_exe(settings) -> str:
+    # Support both SASpro-style and legacy keys
+    cand = [
+        settings.value("paths/solve_field", "", type=str) or "",
+        settings.value("astrometry/solvefield_path", "", type=str) or "",
+    ]
+    for p in cand:
+        if p and os.path.exists(p):
+            return p
+    return cand[0]  # may be empty (used to decide web vs. local)
+
+def _get_astrometry_api_key(settings) -> str:
+    return settings.value("astrometry/api_key", "", type=str) or ""
+
+def _set_astrometry_api_key(settings, key: str):
+    settings.setValue("astrometry/api_key", key or "")
+
+def _wcs_header_from_astrometry_calib(calib: dict, image_shape: tuple[int, ...]) -> Header:
+    """
+    calib: dict with keys 'ra','dec','pixscale'(arcsec/px),'orientation'(deg, +CCW).
+    image_shape: (H, W) or (H, W, C). CRPIX is image center (1-based vs 0-based—astropy expects pixel coordinates in "fits" sense; mid-frame is fine).
+    """
+    H = int(image_shape[0]); W = int(image_shape[1])
+    h = Header()
+    h["CTYPE1"] = "RA---TAN"
+    h["CTYPE2"] = "DEC--TAN"
+    h["CRPIX1"] = W / 2.0
+    h["CRPIX2"] = H / 2.0
+    h["CRVAL1"] = float(calib["ra"])
+    h["CRVAL2"] = float(calib["dec"])
+    scale_deg = float(calib["pixscale"]) / 3600.0  # deg/px
+    theta = math.radians(float(calib.get("orientation", 0.0)))
+    # note: same sign convention as your SASv2 builder
+    h["CD1_1"] = -scale_deg * math.cos(theta)
+    h["CD1_2"] =  scale_deg * math.sin(theta)
+    h["CD2_1"] = -scale_deg * math.sin(theta)
+    h["CD2_2"] = -scale_deg * math.cos(theta)
+    h["RADECSYS"] = "ICRS"
+    h["WCSAXES"] = 2
+    return h
+
+# If you already ship 'requests', this is simplest:
+
+# ---- Seed controls (persisted in QSettings) ----
+def _get_seed_mode(settings) -> str:
+    # "auto" (from header), "manual" (use user values), "none" (blind)
+    return (settings.value("astap/seed_mode", "auto", type=str) or "auto").lower()
+
+def _set_seed_mode(settings, mode: str):
+    settings.setValue("astap/seed_mode", (mode or "auto").lower())
+
+def _get_manual_ra(settings) -> str:
+    # store raw string so user can type hh:mm:ss or degrees
+    return settings.value("astap/manual_ra", "", type=str) or ""
+
+def _get_manual_dec(settings) -> str:
+    return settings.value("astap/manual_dec", "", type=str) or ""
+
+def _get_manual_scale(settings) -> float | None:
+    try:
+        v = settings.value("astap/manual_scale_arcsec", "", type=str)
+        return float(v) if v not in (None, "",) else None
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+@lru_cache(maxsize=256)
+def _parse_ra_input_to_deg(s: str) -> float | None:
+    """Parse RA input string to degrees. Cached for repeated lookups."""
+    s = (s or "").strip()
+    if not s: return None
+    # allow plain degrees if > 24 or contains "deg"
+    try:
+        if re.search(r"[a-zA-Z]", s) is None and ":" not in s and " " not in s:
+            x = float(s)
+            return x if x > 24.0 else x * 15.0
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    parts = re.split(r"[:\s]+", s)
+    try:
+        if len(parts) >= 3:
+            hh, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), float(parts[2])
+        elif len(parts) == 2:
+            hh, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), 0.0
+        else:
+            hh, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), 0.0, 0.0
+        return (abs(hh) + mm/60.0 + ss/3600.0) * 15.0
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+@lru_cache(maxsize=256)
+def _parse_dec_input_to_deg(s: str) -> float | None:
+    """Parse DEC input string to degrees. Cached for repeated lookups."""
+    s = (s or "").strip()
+    if not s: return None
+    sign = -1.0 if s.startswith("-") else 1.0
+    s = s.lstrip("+-")
+    parts = re.split(r"[:\s]+", s)
+    try:
+        if len(parts) >= 3:
+            dd, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), float(parts[2])
+        elif len(parts) == 2:
+            dd, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), 0.0
+        else:
+            return sign * float(parts[0])
+        return sign * (abs(dd) + mm/60.0 + ss/3600.0)
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+def _set_manual_seed(settings, ra: str, dec: str, scale_arcsec: float | None):
+    settings.setValue("astap/manual_ra", ra or "")
+    settings.setValue("astap/manual_dec", dec or "")
+    if scale_arcsec is None:
+        settings.setValue("astap/manual_scale_arcsec", "")
+    else:
+        settings.setValue("astap/manual_scale_arcsec", str(float(scale_arcsec)))
+
+def _astrometry_api_request(method: str, url: str, *, data=None, files=None,
+                            timeout=(10, 60),
+                            max_retries: int = 5,
+                            parent=None,
+                            stage: str = "") -> dict | None:
+    """
+    Robust request with retries, exponential backoff + jitter.
+    """
+    if requests is None:
+        print("Requests not available for astrometry.net API.")
+        return None
+
+    import random
+    import requests as _rq
+    for attempt in range(1, max_retries + 1):
+        try:
+            if method.upper() == "POST":
+                # ✅ IMPORTANT: rewind any file handles before each attempt,
+                # because requests consumes them.
+                if files:
+                    try:
+                        for v in files.values():
+                            if hasattr(v, "seek"):
+                                v.seek(0)
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+
+                r = requests.post(url, data=data, files=files, timeout=timeout)
+            else:
+                r = requests.get(url, timeout=timeout)
+
+            if r.status_code == 200:
+                try:
+                    return r.json()
+                except Exception:
+                    return None
+
+            if r.status_code in (429, 500, 502, 503, 504):
+                raise _rq.RequestException(f"HTTP {r.status_code}")
+            else:
+                print(f"Astrometry API HTTP {r.status_code} (no retry).")
+                return None
+
+        except (_rq.Timeout, _rq.ConnectionError, _rq.RequestException) as e:
+            print(f"Astrometry API request error ({stage}): {e}")
+            if attempt >= max_retries:
+                break
+            delay = min(8.0, 0.5 * (2 ** (attempt - 1))) + random.random() * 0.2
+            msg = QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: {0} retry {1}/{2}…").format(stage or 'request', attempt, max_retries)
+            _set_status_ui(parent, msg)
+            _sleep_ui(int(delay * 1000))
+    return None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Utilities (headers, parsing, normalization)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def _parse_astap_wcs_file(wcs_path: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Robustly load the .wcs file using astropy (instead of line parsing).
+    Returns a dictionary of key → value.
+    """
+    if not wcs_path or not os.path.exists(wcs_path):
+        return {}
+
+    try:
+        header = fits.getheader(wcs_path)
+        return dict(header)
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(f"[ASTAP] Failed to parse .wcs with astropy: {e}")
+        return {}
+
+
+def _get_astap_exe(settings) -> str:
+    # Support both SASpro and SASv2 keys.
+    cand = [
+        settings.value("paths/astap", "", type=str) or "",
+        settings.value("astap/exe_path", "", type=str) or "",
+    ]
+    for p in cand:
+        if p and os.path.exists(p):
+            return p
+    return cand[0]  # return first even if missing so we can error nicely
+
+
+def _as_header(hdr_like: Any) -> Header | None:
+    """
+    Try to coerce whatever we have in metadata to a proper astropy Header.
+    Accepts: fits.Header, dict, flattened string blobs (best effort).
+    """
+    if hdr_like is None:
+        return None
+    if isinstance(hdr_like, Header):
+        return hdr_like
+
+    # 1) flattened single string? try hard to parse
+    if isinstance(hdr_like, str):
+        h = _parse_header_blob_to_header(hdr_like)
+        return h if len(h.keys()) else None
+
+    # 2) dict-ish
+    try:
+        d = dict(hdr_like)
+        h = Header()
+        int_keys = {"A_ORDER", "B_ORDER", "AP_ORDER", "BP_ORDER", "WCSAXES", "NAXIS", "NAXIS1", "NAXIS2", "NAXIS3"}
+        for k, v in d.items():
+            K = str(k).upper()
+
+            # 🚫 Never promote our internal metadata keys to FITS cards
+            if K in _NONFITS_META_KEYS:
+                continue
+
+            try:
+                if K in int_keys:
+                    h[K] = int(float(str(v).strip().split()[0]))
+                elif re.match(r"^(?:A|B|AP|BP)_\d+_\d+$", K) or \
+                     re.match(r"^(?:CRPIX|CRVAL|CDELT|CD|PC|CROTA|LATPOLE|LONPOLE|EQUINOX)\d?_?\d*$", K):
+                    h[K] = float(str(v).strip().split()[0])
+                elif K.startswith("CTYPE") or K.startswith("CUNIT") or K in {"RADECSYS"}:
+                    h[K] = str(v).strip().strip("'\"")
+                else:
+                    h[K] = v
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        # SIP order parity
+        if "A_ORDER" in h and "B_ORDER" not in h:
+            h["B_ORDER"] = int(h["A_ORDER"])
+        if "B_ORDER" in h and "A_ORDER" not in h:
+            h["A_ORDER"] = int(h["B_ORDER"])
+        return h
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+def _parse_header_blob_to_header(blob: str) -> Header:
+    """
+    Turn a flattened header blob into a real fits.Header.
+    Handles 80-char concatenated cards or KEY=VAL regex fallback.
+    """
+    s = (blob or "").strip()
+    h = fits.Header()
+
+    # A) 80-char card chunking (if truly concatenated FITS cards)
+    if len(s) >= 80 and len(s) % 80 == 0:
+        cards = [s[i:i+80] for i in range(0, len(s), 80)]
+        for line in cards:
+            try:
+                card = fits.Card.fromstring(line)
+                if card.keyword not in ("COMMENT", "HISTORY", "END", ""):
+                    h.append(card)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        if len(h.keys()):
+            return h
+
+    # B) Fallback regex KEY = value … next KEY
+    pattern = r"([A-Z0-9_]+)\s*=\s*([^=]*?)(?=\s{2,}[A-Z0-9_]+\s*=|$)"
+    for m in re.finditer(pattern, s):
+        key  = m.group(1).strip().upper()
+        vraw = m.group(2).strip()
+        if vraw.startswith("'") and vraw.endswith("'"):
+            val = vraw[1:-1].strip()
+        else:
+            try:
+                if re.fullmatch(r"[+-]?\d+", vraw): val = int(vraw)
+                else: val = float(vraw)
+            except Exception:
+                val = vraw
+        try: h[key] = val
+        except Exception as e:
+            import logging
+            logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+
+    if "A_ORDER" in h and "B_ORDER" not in h:
+        h["B_ORDER"] = int(h["A_ORDER"])
+    if "B_ORDER" in h and "A_ORDER" not in h:
+        h["A_ORDER"] = int(h["B_ORDER"])
+
+    return h
+
+
+def _strip_wcs_keys(h: Header) -> Header:
+    """Return a copy without WCS/SIP keys (so ASTAP can write fresh)."""
+    h = h.copy()
+    for key in list(h.keys()):
+        ku = key.upper()
+        for prefix in (
+            "CRPIX", "CRVAL", "CDELT", "CROTA",
+            "CD1_", "CD2_", "PC", "CTYPE", "CUNIT",
+            "WCSAXES", "LATPOLE", "LONPOLE", "EQUINOX",
+            "PV1_", "PV2_", "SIP",
+            "A_ORDER", "B_ORDER", "AP_ORDER", "BP_ORDER",
+            "A_", "B_", "AP_", "BP_", "PLTSOLVD"
+        ):
+            if ku.startswith(prefix):
+                h.pop(key, None)
+                break
+    return h
+
+def _minimal_header_for_gray2d(h: int, w: int) -> Header:
+    hdu = Header()
+    hdu["SIMPLE"] = True
+    hdu["BITPIX"] = -32
+    hdu["NAXIS"]  = 2
+    hdu["NAXIS1"] = int(w)
+    hdu["NAXIS2"] = int(h)
+    hdu["BZERO"]  = 0.0
+    hdu["BSCALE"] = 1.0
+    hdu.add_comment("Temp FITS written for ASTAP solve.")
+    return hdu
+
+def _minimal_header_for(img: np.ndarray, is_mono: bool) -> Header:
+    H = int(img.shape[0]) if img.ndim >= 2 else 1
+    W = int(img.shape[1]) if img.ndim >= 2 else 1
+    C = int(img.shape[2]) if (img.ndim == 3) else 1
+    h = Header()
+    h["SIMPLE"] = True
+    h["BITPIX"] = -32
+    h["NAXIS"]  = 2 if is_mono else 3
+    h["NAXIS1"] = W
+    h["NAXIS2"] = H
+    if not is_mono:
+        h["NAXIS3"] = C
+    h["BZERO"]  = 0.0
+    h["BSCALE"] = 1.0
+    h.add_comment("Temp FITS written for ASTAP solve.")
+    return h
+
+def _write_temp_fit_web_16bit(gray2d_unit: np.ndarray) -> str:
+    """
+    Write full-res mono FITS as 16-bit unsigned for web upload.
+    gray2d_unit must be float32 in [0,1].
+    Returns path to temp .fits.
+    """
+    import os
+    import tempfile
+    import numpy as np
+    from astropy.io import fits
+    from astropy.io.fits import Header
+
+    if gray2d_unit.ndim != 2:
+        raise ValueError("Expected 2-D grayscale array for web FITS.")
+
+    g = np.clip(gray2d_unit.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+    u16 = (g * 65535.0 + 0.5).astype(np.uint16)
+
+    H, W = u16.shape
+    hdr = Header()
+    hdr["SIMPLE"] = True
+    hdr["BITPIX"] = 16
+    hdr["NAXIS"]  = 2
+    hdr["NAXIS1"] = int(W)
+    hdr["NAXIS2"] = int(H)
+    hdr.add_comment("Temp FITS (16-bit) written for Astrometry.net upload.")
+
+    tmp = tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(suffix=".fits", delete=False)
+    tmp_path = tmp.name
+    tmp.close()
+
+    fits.PrimaryHDU(u16, header=hdr).writeto(tmp_path, overwrite=True, output_verify="silentfix")
+
+    try:
+        print(f"[tempfits-web] Saved 16-bit FITS to: {tmp_path} (size={os.path.getsize(tmp_path)} bytes)")
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    return tmp_path
+
+
+def _astrometry_download_wcs_file(settings, job_id: int, parent=None) -> Header | None:
+    """
+    Download the solved WCS FITS from astrometry.net.
+    This includes SIP terms when present.
+    Returns fits.Header or None.
+    """
+    import os
+    import tempfile
+    from astropy.io import fits
+    from astropy.io.fits import Header
+
+    base_site = _get_astrometry_api_url(settings).split("/api/")[0].rstrip("/") + "/"
+    url = base_site + f"wcs_file/{int(job_id)}"
+
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Downloading WCS file (with SIP) from Astrometry.net…"))
+    try:
+        r = requests.get(url, timeout=(10, 60))
+        if r.status_code != 200 or len(r.content) < 2000:
+            print(f"[Astrometry] WCS download failed HTTP {r.status_code}, bytes={len(r.content)}")
+            return None
+
+        tmp = tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(suffix=".wcs.fits", delete=False)
+        tmp_path = tmp.name
+        tmp.write(r.content)
+        tmp.close()
+
+        try:
+            hdr = fits.getheader(tmp_path)
+            h2 = Header()
+            for k, v in dict(hdr).items():
+                if k not in ("COMMENT", "HISTORY", "END"):
+                    h2[k] = v
+            return h2
+        finally:
+            try: os.remove(tmp_path)
+            except Exception as e:
+                import logging
+                logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("[Astrometry] WCS download exception:", e)
+        return None
+
+
+def _float01(arr: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    a = np.asarray(arr)
+    if a.dtype.kind in "ui":
+        info = np.iinfo(a.dtype)
+        if info.max == 0: return a.astype(np.float32)
+        return (a.astype(np.float32) / float(info.max))
+    return np.clip(a.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+
+def _normalize_for_astap(img: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """
+    Use migrated stretch functions when available.
+    Returns float32 in [0,1], 2D for mono or 3D for color.
+    Guaranteed to return something usable even if stretch funcs fail.
+    """
+    f01 = _float01(img)
+
+    # Mono
+    if f01.ndim == 2 or (f01.ndim == 3 and f01.shape[2] == 1):
+        if stretch_mono_image is not None:
+            try:
+                print("DEBUG stretching mono")
+                out = stretch_mono_image(f01, 0.1, False)
+                return np.clip(out.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+            except Exception as e:
+                print("DEBUG mono stretch failed, fallback:", e)
+        return np.clip(f01.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+    # Color
+    if stretch_color_image is not None:
+        try:
+            print("DEBUG stretching color")
+            out = stretch_color_image(f01, 0.1, False, False)
+            return np.clip(out.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("DEBUG color stretch failed, fallback:", e)
+
+    return np.clip(f01.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+
+
+
+def _first_float(v):
+    if v is None: return None
+    if isinstance(v, (int, float)): return float(v)
+    s = str(v)
+    m = re.search(r"[+-]?\d*\.?\d+(?:[eE][+-]?\d+)?", s)
+    return float(m.group(0)) if m else None
+
+
+def _first_int(v):
+    if v is None: return None
+    if isinstance(v, int): return v
+    if isinstance(v, float): return int(round(v))
+    s = str(v)
+    m = re.search(r"[+-]?\d+", s)
+    return int(m.group(0)) if m else None
+
+
+def _parse_ra_deg(h: Header) -> float | None:
+    ra = _first_float(h.get("CRVAL1"))
+    if ra is not None: return ra
+    ra = _first_float(h.get("RA"))
+    if ra is not None and 0.0 <= ra < 360.0: return ra
+    for key in ("OBJCTRA", "RA"):
+        s = h.get(key); 
+        if not s: continue
+        s = str(s).strip()
+        parts = re.split(r"[:\s]+", s)
+        try:
+            if len(parts) >= 3:
+                hh, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), float(parts[2])
+            elif len(parts) == 2:
+                hh, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), 0.0
+            else:
+                x = float(parts[0]); 
+                return x if x > 24 else x*15.0
+            return (abs(hh) + mm/60.0 + ss/3600.0) * 15.0
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+    return None
+
+
+def _parse_dec_deg(h: Header) -> float | None:
+    dec = _first_float(h.get("CRVAL2"))
+    if dec is not None: return dec
+    dec = _first_float(h.get("DEC"))
+    if dec is not None and -90 <= dec <= 90: return dec
+    for key in ("OBJCTDEC","DEC"):
+        s = h.get(key); 
+        if not s: continue
+        s = str(s).strip()
+        sign = -1.0 if s.startswith("-") else 1.0
+        s = s.lstrip("+-")
+        parts = re.split(r"[:\s]+", s)
+        try:
+            if len(parts) >= 3:
+                dd, mm, ss = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]), float(parts[2])
+            elif len(parts) == 2:
+                dd, mm = float(parts[0]), float(parts[1]); ss = 0.0
+            else:
+                return sign * float(parts[0])
+            return sign * (abs(dd) + mm/60.0 + ss/3600.0)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+    return None
+
+
+def _compute_scale_arcsec_per_pix(h: Header) -> float | None:
+    """
+    Try to compute pixel scale from WCS / instrument metadata.
+    If the result is obviously insane, return None so we can fall back
+    to RA/Dec-only seeding.
+    """
+    def _sanity(val: float | None) -> float | None:
+        if val is None or not np.isfinite(val) or val <= 0:
+            return None
+        # Typical imaging: ~0.1"–100"/px. Allow up to ~1000"/px for very wide,
+        # but anything beyond that is almost certainly bogus.
+        if val > 1000.0:
+            return None
+        return float(val)
+
+    cd11 = _first_float(h.get("CD1_1"))
+    cd21 = _first_float(h.get("CD2_1"))
+    cdelt1 = _first_float(h.get("CDELT1"))
+    cdelt2 = _first_float(h.get("CDELT2"))
+
+    # 1) CD matrix
+    if cd11 is not None or cd21 is not None:
+        cd11 = cd11 or 0.0
+        cd21 = cd21 or 0.0
+        val = ((cd11**2 + cd21**2)**0.5) * 3600.0
+        val = _sanity(val)
+        if val is not None:
+            return val
+
+    # 2) CDELT
+    if cdelt1 is not None or cdelt2 is not None:
+        cdelt1 = cdelt1 or 0.0
+        cdelt2 = cdelt2 or 0.0
+        val = ((cdelt1**2 + cdelt2**2)**0.5) * 3600.0
+        val = _sanity(val)
+        if val is not None:
+            return val
+
+    # 3) Pixel size + focal length
+    px_um_x = _first_float(h.get("XPIXSZ"))
+    px_um_y = _first_float(h.get("YPIXSZ"))
+    focal_mm = _first_float(h.get("FOCALLEN"))
+    if focal_mm and (px_um_x or px_um_y):
+        px_um = px_um_x if (px_um_x and not px_um_y) else px_um_y if (px_um_y and not px_um_x) else None
+        if px_um is None:
+            px_um = (px_um_x + px_um_y) / 2.0
+        bx = _first_int(h.get("XBINNING")) or _first_int(h.get("XBIN")) or 1
+        by = _first_int(h.get("YBINNING")) or _first_int(h.get("YBIN")) or 1
+        bin_factor = (bx + by) / 2.0
+        px_um_eff = px_um * bin_factor
+        val = 206.264806 * px_um_eff / float(focal_mm)
+        val = _sanity(val)
+        if val is not None:
+            return val
+
+    return None
+
+
+def _build_astap_seed_with_overrides(settings, header: Header | None, image: np.ndarray) -> tuple[list[str], str, float | None]:
+    """
+    Decide seed based on seed_mode:
+      - auto: derive from header (existing logic)
+      - manual: use user-provided RA/Dec/Scale
+      - none: return [], "blind"
+    Returns: (args, dbg, scale_arcsec)
+    """
+    mode = _get_seed_mode(settings)
+
+    if mode == "none":
+        return [], "seed disabled (blind)", None
+
+    if mode == "manual":
+        ra_s  = _get_manual_ra(settings)
+        dec_s = _get_manual_dec(settings)
+        scl   = _get_manual_scale(settings)
+        ra_deg  = _parse_ra_input_to_deg(ra_s)
+        dec_deg = _parse_dec_input_to_deg(dec_s)
+        dbg = []
+        if ra_deg is None:  dbg.append("RA?")
+        if dec_deg is None: dbg.append("Dec?")
+        if scl is None or not np.isfinite(scl) or scl <= 0: dbg.append("scale?")
+        if dbg:
+            return [], "manual seed invalid: " + ", ".join(dbg), None
+        ra_h = ra_deg / 15.0
+        spd  = dec_deg + 90.0
+        args = ["-ra", f"{ra_h:.6f}", "-spd", f"{spd:.6f}", "-scale", f"{scl:.3f}"]
+        return args, f"manual RA={ra_h:.6f}h | SPD={spd:.6f}° | scale={scl:.3f}\"/px", float(scl)
+
+    # auto (default): from header
+    if isinstance(header, Header):
+        args, dbg = _build_astap_seed(header)
+        scl = None
+        if args:
+            try:
+                if "-scale" in args:
+                    scl = float(args[args.index("-scale")+1])
+            except Exception:
+                scl = None
+        return args, "auto: " + dbg, scl
+
+    return [], "no header available for auto seed", None
+
+
+def _build_astap_seed(h: Header) -> Tuple[list[str], str]:
+    """
+    Build ASTAP seed args from a header.
+    RA/Dec are REQUIRED. Scale is OPTIONAL and sanity-checked.
+    """
+    dbg = []
+    ra_deg  = _parse_ra_deg(h)
+    dec_deg = _parse_dec_deg(h)
+
+    if ra_deg is None:
+        dbg.append("RA unknown")
+    if dec_deg is None:
+        dbg.append("Dec unknown")
+
+    # If we don't have RA/Dec, there's nothing useful to seed.
+    if ra_deg is None or dec_deg is None:
+        return [], " / ".join(dbg) if dbg else "RA/Dec unknown"
+
+    # Scale is now optional
+    scale = _estimate_scale_arcsec_from_header(h)
+    if scale is None:
+        dbg.append("scale unknown")
+
+    ra_h = ra_deg / 15.0
+    spd  = dec_deg + 90.0
+
+    args = ["-ra", f"{ra_h:.6f}", "-spd", f"{spd:.6f}"]
+    if scale is not None:
+        args += ["-scale", f"{scale:.3f}"]
+
+    dbg_str = f"RA={ra_h:.6f} h | SPD={spd:.6f}°"
+    if scale is not None:
+        dbg_str += f" | scale={scale:.3f}\"/px"
+    else:
+        dbg_str += " | scale unknown"
+
+    return args, dbg_str
+
+
+
+def _astrometry_login(settings, parent=None) -> str | None:
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Logging in to Astrometry.net…"))
+    api_key = _get_astrometry_api_key(settings)
+    if not api_key:
+        from PyQt6.QtWidgets import QInputDialog
+        key, ok = QInputDialog.getText(None, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Astrometry.net API Key"), QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Enter your Astrometry.net API key:"))
+        if not ok or not key:
+            _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Login canceled (no API key)."))
+            return None
+        _set_astrometry_api_key(settings, key)
+        api_key = key
+
+    base = _get_astrometry_api_url(settings)
+    resp = _astrometry_api_request(
+        "POST", base + "login",
+        data={'request-json': json.dumps({"apikey": api_key})},
+        parent=parent, stage="login"
+    )
+    if resp and resp.get("status") == "success":
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Login successful."))
+        return resp.get("session")
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Login failed."))
+    return None
+
+def _astrometry_upload(settings, session: str, image_path: str, parent=None) -> int | None:
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Uploading image to Astrometry.net…"))
+    base = _get_astrometry_api_url(settings)
+
+    try:
+        sz = os.path.getsize(image_path)
+        if sz < 1024:  # fits headers alone are ~2880 bytes
+            print(f"[Astrometry] temp FITS too small ({sz} bytes): {image_path}")
+            _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Upload failed (temp FITS empty)."))
+            return None
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    try:
+        with open(image_path, "rb") as f:
+            files = {"file": f}
+            data = {'request-json': json.dumps({
+                "publicly_visible": "y",
+                "allow_modifications": "d",
+                "session": session,
+                "allow_commercial_use": "d"
+            })}
+            resp = _astrometry_api_request(
+                "POST", base + "upload",
+                data=data, files=files,
+                timeout=(15, 180),
+                parent=parent, stage="upload"
+            )
+        if resp and resp.get("status") == "success":
+            _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Upload complete."))
+            return int(resp["subid"])
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Upload error:", e)
+
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Upload failed."))
+    return None
+
+
+
+def _solve_with_local_solvefield(parent, settings, tmp_fit_path: str) -> tuple[bool, Header | str]:
+    solvefield = _get_solvefield_exe(settings)
+    if not solvefield or not os.path.exists(solvefield):
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "solve-field not configured.")
+
+    args = [
+        "--overwrite",
+        "--no-remove-lines",
+        "--cpulimit", "300",
+        "--downsample", "2",
+        "--write-wcs", "wcs",
+        tmp_fit_path
+    ]
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Running local solve-field…"))
+    print("Running solve-field:", solvefield, " ".join(args))
+    p = QProcess(parent)
+    p.start(solvefield, args)
+    if not p.waitForStarted(5000):
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: solve-field failed to start."))
+        return False, f"Failed to start solve-field: {p.errorString()}"
+
+    if not _wait_process(p, 300000, parent=parent):
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: solve-field timed out."))
+        return False, "solve-field timed out."
+
+    if p.exitCode() != 0:
+        out = bytes(p.readAllStandardOutput()).decode(errors="ignore")
+        err = bytes(p.readAllStandardError()).decode(errors="ignore")
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: solve-field failed."))
+        print("solve-field failed.\nSTDOUT:\n", out, "\nSTDERR:\n", err)
+        return False, "solve-field returned non-zero exit."
+
+    wcs_path = os.path.splitext(tmp_fit_path)[0] + ".wcs"
+    new_path = os.path.splitext(tmp_fit_path)[0] + ".new"
+
+    if os.path.exists(wcs_path):
+        d = _parse_astap_wcs_file(wcs_path)
+        if d:
+            d = _ensure_ctypes(_coerce_wcs_numbers(d))
+            return True, Header({k: v for k, v in d.items()})
+
+    if os.path.exists(new_path):
+        try:
+            with fits.open(new_path, memmap=False) as hdul:
+                h = Header()
+                for k, v in dict(hdul[0].header).items():
+                    if k not in ("COMMENT","HISTORY","END"):
+                        h[k] = v
+            return True, h
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("Failed reading .new FITS:", e)
+
+    return False, "solve-field produced no WCS."
+
+
+def _astrometry_poll_job(settings, subid: int, *, max_wait_s=900, parent=None) -> int | None:
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Waiting for job assignment…"))
+    base = _get_astrometry_api_url(settings)
+    t0 = time.time()
+    while time.time() - t0 < max_wait_s:
+        resp = _astrometry_api_request("GET", base + f"submissions/{subid}",
+                                       parent=parent, stage="poll job")
+        if resp:
+            jobs = resp.get("jobs", [])
+            if jobs and jobs[0] is not None:
+                _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Job assigned (ID {0}).").format(jobs[0]))
+                try: return int(jobs[0])
+                except Exception as e:
+                    import logging
+                    logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+        _sleep_ui(1000)
+    return None
+
+def _astrometry_poll_calib(settings, job_id: int, *, max_wait_s=900, parent=None) -> dict | None:
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Waiting for solution…"))
+    base = _get_astrometry_api_url(settings)
+    t0 = time.time()
+    while time.time() - t0 < max_wait_s:
+        resp = _astrometry_api_request("GET", base + f"jobs/{job_id}/calibration/",
+                                       parent=parent, stage="poll calib")
+        if resp and all(k in resp for k in ("ra","dec","pixscale")):
+            _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Solution received."))
+            return resp
+        _sleep_ui(1500)
+    return None
+
+# ---- ASTAP seed controls ----
+# modes for radius: "auto" -> -r 0, "value" -> -r <user>, default "auto"
+def _get_astap_radius_mode(settings) -> str:
+    return (settings.value("astap/seed_radius_mode", "auto", type=str) or "auto").lower()
+
+def _get_astap_radius_value(settings) -> float:
+    try:
+        return float(settings.value("astap/seed_radius_value", 5.0, type=float))
+    except Exception:
+        return 5.0
+
+# modes for fov: "auto" -> -fov 0, "compute" -> use computed FOV, "value" -> user number; default "compute"
+def _get_astap_fov_mode(settings) -> str:
+    return (settings.value("astap/seed_fov_mode", "compute", type=str) or "compute").lower()
+
+def _get_astap_fov_value(settings) -> float:
+    try:
+        return float(settings.value("astap/seed_fov_value", 0.0, type=float))
+    except Exception:
+        return 0.0
+
+
+def _read_header_from_fits(path: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    with fits.open(path, memmap=False) as hdul:
+        d = dict(hdul[0].header)
+    d.pop("COMMENT", None); d.pop("HISTORY", None); d.pop("END", None)
+    return d
+
+
+def _header_from_text_block(s: str) -> Header:
+    """Parse ASTAP .wcs or flattened blocks into a proper Header."""
+    h = Header()
+    if not s: return h
+    lines = s.splitlines()
+    if len(lines) <= 1:
+        # single blob: split on KEY=
+        lines = re.split(r"(?=(?:^|\s{2,})([A-Za-z][A-Za-z0-9_]+)\s*=)", s)
+        lines = ["".join(lines[i:i+2]).strip() for i in range(1, len(lines), 2)]
+    card_re = re.compile(r"^\s*([A-Za-z][A-Za-z0-9_]+)\s*=\s*(.*)$")
+    num_re  = re.compile(r"^[+-]?\d*\.?\d+(?:[eE][+-]?\d+)?$")
+    for raw in lines:
+        raw = raw.strip()
+        if not raw or raw.upper().startswith(("COMMENT","HISTORY","END")):
+            continue
+        m = card_re.match(raw)
+        if not m: continue
+        key, rest = m.group(1).upper(), m.group(2).strip()
+        if " /" in rest:
+            val_str = rest.split(" /", 1)[0].strip()
+        else:
+            val_str = rest
+        if (len(val_str) >= 2) and ((val_str[0] == "'" and val_str[-1] == "'") or (val_str[0] == '"' and val_str[-1] == '"')):
+            val = val_str[1:-1].strip()
+        else:
+            try:
+                if num_re.match(val_str):
+                    val = float(val_str)
+                    if re.match(r"^[+-]?\d+$", val_str): val = int(val)
+                else:
+                    val = val_str
+            except Exception:
+                val = val_str
+        try: h[key] = val
+        except Exception as e:
+            import logging
+            logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+    if "A_ORDER" in h and "B_ORDER" not in h:
+        h["B_ORDER"] = int(h["A_ORDER"])
+    if "B_ORDER" in h and "A_ORDER" not in h:
+        h["A_ORDER"] = int(h["B_ORDER"])
+    return h
+
+def _coerce_wcs_numbers(d: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Convert values for common WCS/SIP keys to int/float where appropriate.
+    Mirrors SASv2 logic.
+    """
+    numeric_keys = {
+        "CRPIX1", "CRPIX2", "CRVAL1", "CRVAL2", "CDELT1", "CDELT2",
+        "CD1_1", "CD1_2", "CD2_1", "CD2_2", "CROTA1", "CROTA2",
+        "EQUINOX", "WCSAXES", "A_ORDER", "B_ORDER", "AP_ORDER", "BP_ORDER",
+    }
+
+    out = {}
+    for k, v in d.items():
+        key = k.upper()
+        try:
+            if key in numeric_keys or re.match(r"^(A|B|AP|BP)_\d+_\d+$", key):
+                if isinstance(v, str):
+                    val = float(v.strip())
+                    if val.is_integer(): val = int(val)
+                else:
+                    val = v
+                out[key] = val
+            else:
+                out[key] = v
+        except Exception:
+            out[key] = v
+    return out
+
+
+def _ensure_ctypes(d: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Ensure CTYPE1/2 exist and are proper strings. Fallback to TAN if missing.
+    """
+    if "CTYPE1" not in d:
+        d["CTYPE1"] = "RA---TAN"
+    if "CTYPE2" not in d:
+        d["CTYPE2"] = "DEC--TAN"
+    d["CTYPE1"] = str(d["CTYPE1"]).strip()
+    d["CTYPE2"] = str(d["CTYPE2"]).strip()
+    return d
+
+def _merge_wcs_into_base_header(base_header: Header | None, wcs_header: Header | None) -> Header:
+    """
+    Merge a WCS/SIP solution into a base acquisition header.
+
+    - base_header: original FITS header with OBJECT, EXPTIME, GAIN, etc.
+    - wcs_header:  header containing CRPIX/CRVAL/CD/SIP/etc. from ASTAP or Astrometry.
+
+    Non-WCS cards in base_header are preserved.
+    WCS/SIP/PLTSOLVD/etc. from wcs_header override any existing ones.
+    """
+    if not isinstance(base_header, Header):
+        base_header = Header()
+    # Always strip our internal meta keys from the acquisition header
+    base_header = _strip_nonfits_meta_keys_from_header(base_header)
+
+    if not isinstance(wcs_header, Header):
+        # nothing special to merge; just normalize the base and return it.
+        d0 = _ensure_ctypes(_coerce_wcs_numbers(dict(base_header)))
+        out = Header()
+        for k, v in d0.items():
+            try:
+                out[k] = v
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        return out
+
+    # Start from a copy of the acquisition header (drop COMMENT/HISTORY from it)
+    base = base_header.copy()
+
+
+    # Start from a copy of the acquisition header (drop COMMENT/HISTORY from it)
+    base = base_header.copy()
+    for k in ("COMMENT", "HISTORY", "END"):
+        if k in base:
+            base.remove(k)
+
+    merged = dict(base)
+
+    # Only import *WCS-ish* keys from the solver, not things like BITPIX/NAXIS.
+    wcs_prefixes = (
+        "CRPIX", "CRVAL", "CDELT", "CD1_", "CD2_", "PC",
+        "CTYPE", "CUNIT", "PV1_", "PV2_", "A_", "B_", "AP_", "BP_"
+    )
+    wcs_extras = {
+        "WCSAXES", "LATPOLE", "LONPOLE", "EQUINOX",
+        "PLTSOLVD", "WARNING", "RADESYS", "RADECSYS", "RADECSYS"
+    }
+
+    for key, val in wcs_header.items():
+        ku = key.upper()
+        if ku.startswith(wcs_prefixes) or ku in wcs_extras:
+            merged[ku] = val
+
+    # Coerce numeric types and ensure CTYPEs.
+    merged = _ensure_ctypes(_coerce_wcs_numbers(merged))
+
+    # Ensure TAN-SIP if SIP terms exist.
+    try:
+        sip_present = any(re.match(r"^(A|B|AP|BP)_\d+_\d+$", k) for k in merged.keys())
+        if sip_present:
+            c1 = str(merged.get("CTYPE1", "RA---TAN"))
+            c2 = str(merged.get("CTYPE2", "DEC--TAN"))
+            if not c1.endswith("-SIP"):
+                merged["CTYPE1"] = "RA---TAN-SIP"
+            if not c2.endswith("-SIP"):
+                merged["CTYPE2"] = "DEC--TAN-SIP"
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    # CROTA from CD if missing.
+    try:
+        if ("CROTA1" not in merged or "CROTA2" not in merged) and \
+           ("CD1_1" in merged and "CD1_2" in merged):
+            rot = math.degrees(math.atan2(float(merged["CD1_2"]), float(merged["CD1_1"])))
+            merged["CROTA1"] = rot
+            merged["CROTA2"] = rot
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    out = Header()
+    for k, v in merged.items():
+        try:
+            out[k] = v
+        except Exception:
+            # Skip weird/invalid keys silently
+            pass
+    return out
+
+
+def _build_header_from_astap_outputs(
+    tmp_fits: str,
+    sidecar_wcs: Optional[str],
+    base_header: Header | None
+) -> Header:
+    """
+    Build final header as:  base_header (acquisition) + WCS/SIP from .wcs.
+    """
+    _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: BASE_HEADER ARG INTO _build_header_from_astap_outputs", base_header)
+    """
+    Build final header as:  base_header (acquisition) + WCS/SIP from .wcs.
+
+    tmp_fits is only used as a last-resort source if base_header is None.
+    """
+    # 1) Determine base header (acquisition)
+    if isinstance(base_header, Header):
+        base_hdr = base_header
+    else:
+        # Fallback: read whatever ASTAP wrote into the temp FITS.
+        base_dict: Dict[str, Any] = {}
+        try:
+            with fits.open(tmp_fits, memmap=False) as hdul:
+                base_dict = dict(hdul[0].header)
+            for k in ("COMMENT", "HISTORY", "END"):
+                base_dict.pop(k, None)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("Failed reading temp FITS header:", e)
+        base_hdr = Header()
+        for k, v in base_dict.items():
+            try:
+                base_hdr[k] = v
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+    _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: BASE_HDR (acquisition header after fallback)", base_hdr)
+    # 2) Load WCS from sidecar
+    wcs_hdr = Header()
+    if sidecar_wcs and os.path.exists(sidecar_wcs):
+        try:
+            wcs_dict = _parse_astap_wcs_file(sidecar_wcs)
+            for k, v in wcs_dict.items():
+                if k not in ("COMMENT", "HISTORY", "END"):
+                    try:
+                        wcs_hdr[k] = v
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("Error parsing .wcs file:", e)
+    _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: WCS_HDR FROM SIDECAR .WCS", wcs_hdr)
+    # 3) Merge WCS into base acquisition header (base wins for non-WCS keys)
+    final_hdr = _merge_wcs_into_base_header(base_hdr, wcs_hdr)
+
+    _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: FINAL MERGED HEADER (base_hdr + wcs_hdr)", final_hdr)
+
+
+    return final_hdr
+
+
+def _write_temp_fit_via_save_image(gray2d: np.ndarray, _header: Header | None) -> tuple[str, str]:
+    """
+    Write a 2-D mono float32 FITS using legacy.save_image(), return (fit_path, sidecar_wcs_path).
+
+    NOTE: We intentionally ignore the incoming header's axis cards and
+    build a clean 2-axis header to avoid 'NAXISj out of range' errors.
+    """
+    # ensure 2-D float32 in [0,1]
+    if gray2d.ndim != 2:
+        raise ValueError("Expected a 2-D grayscale array for ASTAP temp FITS.")
+    g = np.clip(gray2d.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+    H, W = int(g.shape[0]), int(g.shape[1])
+
+    # Build a *fresh* 2-axis header (no NAXIS3, no old WCS)
+    clean_header = Header()
+    clean_header["SIMPLE"] = True
+    clean_header["BITPIX"] = -32
+    clean_header["NAXIS"]  = 2
+    clean_header["NAXIS1"] = W
+    clean_header["NAXIS2"] = H
+    clean_header["BZERO"]  = 0.0
+    clean_header["BSCALE"] = 1.0
+    clean_header.add_comment("Temp FITS written for ASTAP solve (mono 2-D).")
+
+    # Write using legacy.save_image (forces a valid 2-axis primary HDU)
+    tmp = tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(suffix=".fit", delete=False)
+    tmp_path = tmp.name
+    tmp.close()
+
+    save_image(
+        img_array=g,
+        filename=tmp_path,
+        original_format="fit",                 # (our stack expects 'fit')
+        bit_depth="32-bit floating point",
+        original_header=clean_header,
+        is_mono=True                           # <-- important: keep it 2-D/mono
+    )
+
+    # Resolve the actual path in case save_image normalized the extension
+    base, _ = os.path.splitext(tmp_path)
+    candidates = [tmp_path, base + ".fit", base + ".fits", base + ".FIT", base + ".FITS"]
+    fit_path = next((p for p in candidates if os.path.exists(p)), tmp_path)
+
+    print(f"Saved FITS image to: {fit_path}")
+    return fit_path, os.path.splitext(fit_path)[0] + ".wcs"
+
+def _solve_numpy_with_astrometry(
+    parent,
+    settings,
+    image: np.ndarray,
+    base_header: Header | None
+) -> tuple[bool, Header | str]:
+    """
+    Try local solve-field first; if unavailable/failed, try astrometry.net web API.
+
+    WEB MODE:
+      - keep ORIGINAL dimensions (no downsample)
+      - stretch to non-linear for star detectability
+      - quantize to 16-bit unsigned FITS to reduce upload size
+      - prefer solved WCS file from astrometry.net (includes SIP)
+    """
+    import os
+    import numpy as np
+    from astropy.io.fits import Header
+
+    # Build full-res mono in [0,1], but NON-LINEAR (stretched) for detectability
+    norm_full = _normalize_for_astap(image)                 # float32 [0,1], mono/color
+    gray_full = _to_gray2d_unit(norm_full)                 # 2D float32 [0,1]
+    Hfull, Wfull = int(gray_full.shape[0]), int(gray_full.shape[1])
+
+    # Always write a full-res temp for LOCAL solve-field (float32)
+    tmp_fit_full, _unused_sidecar = _write_temp_fit_via_save_image(gray_full, None)
+
+    try:
+        # 1) local solve-field path (full-res float FITS)
+        ok, res = _solve_with_local_solvefield(parent, settings, tmp_fit_full)
+        if ok:
+            hdr = res if isinstance(res, Header) else None
+            if hdr is not None:
+                d = _ensure_ctypes(_coerce_wcs_numbers(dict(hdr)))
+                if any(re.match(r"^(A|B|AP|BP)_\d+_\d+$", k) for k in d.keys()):
+                    if not str(d.get("CTYPE1","RA---TAN")).endswith("-SIP"):
+                        d["CTYPE1"] = "RA---TAN-SIP"
+                    if not str(d.get("CTYPE2","DEC--TAN")).endswith("-SIP"):
+                        d["CTYPE2"] = "DEC--TAN-SIP"
+                hh = Header()
+                for k, v in d.items():
+                    try: hh[k] = v
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        import logging
+                        logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+                return True, hh
+            return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "solve-field returned no header.")
+
+        # 2) web API fallback (full-res, 16-bit upload)
+        if requests is None:
+            return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "requests not available for astrometry.net API.")
+
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Preparing full-res 16-bit FITS for web solve…"))
+
+        tmp_fit_web = _write_temp_fit_web_16bit(gray_full)
+
+        # Verify web temp file isn't empty
+        try:
+            sz = os.path.getsize(tmp_fit_web)
+            if sz < 3000:
+                return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Temp FITS for web upload is empty/tiny ({0} bytes).").format(sz)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        session = _astrometry_login(settings, parent=parent)
+        if not session:
+            return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Astrometry.net login failed.")
+
+        subid = _astrometry_upload(settings, session, tmp_fit_web, parent=parent)
+        if not subid:
+            return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Astrometry.net upload failed.")
+
+        job_id = _astrometry_poll_job(settings, subid, parent=parent)
+        if not job_id:
+            return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Astrometry.net job ID not received in time.")
+
+        # Prefer full WCS file (includes SIP)
+        hdr_wcs = _astrometry_download_wcs_file(settings, job_id, parent=parent)
+
+        if hdr_wcs is None:
+            # fallback to calibration (no SIP)
+            calib = _astrometry_poll_calib(settings, job_id, parent=parent)
+            if not calib:
+                return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Astrometry.net calibration not received in time.")
+
+            _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Building WCS header from calibration…"))
+            hdr_wcs = _wcs_header_from_astrometry_calib(calib, (Hfull, Wfull))
+
+        # Coerce & ensure TAN-SIP if SIP terms exist
+        d = _ensure_ctypes(_coerce_wcs_numbers(dict(hdr_wcs)))
+        if any(re.match(r"^(A|B|AP|BP)_\d+_\d+$", k) for k in d.keys()):
+            if not str(d.get("CTYPE1","RA---TAN")).endswith("-SIP"):
+                d["CTYPE1"] = "RA---TAN-SIP"
+            if not str(d.get("CTYPE2","DEC--TAN")).endswith("-SIP"):
+                d["CTYPE2"] = "DEC--TAN-SIP"
+
+        # Build a WCS-only Header from d
+        wcs_hdr = Header()
+        for k, v in d.items():
+            try:
+                wcs_hdr[k] = v
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        # Merge with acquisition header (base_header)
+        merged = _merge_wcs_into_base_header(base_header, wcs_hdr)
+
+        # clean temp web file ...
+        try:
+            if os.path.exists(tmp_fit_web):
+                os.remove(tmp_fit_web)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        return True, merged
+
+    finally:
+        # clean temp + solve-field byproducts next to tmp_fit_full
+        try:
+            base = os.path.splitext(tmp_fit_full)[0]
+            for ext in (".fit",".fits",".wcs",".axy",".corr",".rdls",".solved",".new",".match",".ngc",".png",".ppm",".xyls"):
+                p = base + ext
+                if os.path.exists(p):
+                    os.remove(p)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+
+def _solve_numpy_with_fallback(parent, settings, image: np.ndarray, seed_header: Header | None) -> tuple[bool, Header | str]:
+    # Try ASTAP first
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Solving with ASTAP…"))
+    ok, res = _solve_numpy_with_astap(parent, settings, image, seed_header)
+    if ok:
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Solved with ASTAP."))
+        return True, res
+
+    # ASTAP failed → tell the user and fall back
+    err_msg = str(res) if res is not None else "unknown error"
+    print("ASTAP failed:", err_msg)
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: ASTAP failed ({0}). Falling back to Astrometry.net…").format(err_msg))
+    QApplication.processEvents()
+
+    # Fallback: astrometry.net (local solve-field first, then web API inside)
+    ok2, res2 = _solve_numpy_with_astrometry(parent, settings, image, seed_header)
+    if ok2:
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Solved via Astrometry.net."))
+    else:
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Astrometry.net failed ({0}).").format(res2))
+
+    return ok2, res2
+
+
+def _save_temp_fits_via_save_image(norm_img: np.ndarray, clean_header: Header, is_mono: bool) -> str:
+    """
+    Legacy helper used elsewhere. Make sure header axes match the data we write.
+    If is_mono=True we force a 2-D primary HDU; otherwise we allow 3-D (H,W,C).
+    """
+    hdr = Header()
+    # sanitize header/axes
+    if is_mono:
+        # force 2-axis
+        if norm_img.ndim != 2:
+            raise ValueError("Expected 2-D array for mono temp FITS.")
+        H, W = int(norm_img.shape[0]), int(norm_img.shape[1])
+        hdr["SIMPLE"] = True
+        hdr["BITPIX"] = -32
+        hdr["NAXIS"]  = 2
+        hdr["NAXIS1"] = W
+        hdr["NAXIS2"] = H
+    else:
+        # allow color (H, W, C)
+        if norm_img.ndim != 3 or norm_img.shape[2] < 3:
+            raise ValueError("Expected 3-D array (H,W,C) for color temp FITS.")
+        H, W, C = int(norm_img.shape[0]), int(norm_img.shape[1]), int(norm_img.shape[2])
+        hdr["SIMPLE"] = True
+        hdr["BITPIX"] = -32
+        hdr["NAXIS"]  = 3
+        hdr["NAXIS1"] = W
+        hdr["NAXIS2"] = H
+        hdr["NAXIS3"] = C
+
+    hdr["BZERO"]  = 0.0
+    hdr["BSCALE"] = 1.0
+    hdr.add_comment("Temp FITS written for ASTAP solve.")
+
+    # write
+    tmp = tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(suffix=".fit", delete=False)
+    tmp_path = tmp.name
+    tmp.close()
+
+    save_image(
+        img_array=np.clip(norm_img.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0),
+        filename=tmp_path,
+        original_format="fit",
+        bit_depth="32-bit floating point",
+        original_header=hdr,
+        is_mono=is_mono
+    )
+
+    return tmp_path
+
+
+
+def _active_doc_from_parent(parent) -> object | None:
+    """Try your helpers to get the active document."""
+    if hasattr(parent, "_active_doc"):
+        try:
+            return parent._active_doc()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+    sw = getattr(parent, "mdi", None)
+    if sw and hasattr(sw, "activeSubWindow"):
+        asw = sw.activeSubWindow()
+        if asw:
+            w = asw.widget()
+            return getattr(w, "document", None)
+    return None
+
+def _to_gray(arr: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """Always produce a 2-D grayscale float32 in [0,1]."""
+    a = np.asarray(arr)
+    # normalize to 0..1 first
+    if a.dtype.kind in "ui":
+        info = np.iinfo(a.dtype)
+        a = a.astype(np.float32) / max(float(info.max), 1.0)
+    else:
+        a = np.clip(a.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+    if a.ndim == 2:
+        return a
+    if a.ndim == 3:
+        if a.shape[2] >= 3:
+            return (0.2126*a[...,0] + 0.7152*a[...,1] + 0.0722*a[...,2]).astype(np.float32)
+        return a[...,0].astype(np.float32)
+    # anything else, just flatten safely
+    return a.reshape(a.shape[0], -1).astype(np.float32)
+
+def _to_gray2d_unit(arr: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """
+    Return a 2-D float32 array in [0,1].
+    """
+    a = np.asarray(arr)
+    if a.dtype.kind in "ui":
+        info = np.iinfo(a.dtype)
+        a = a.astype(np.float32) / max(float(info.max), 1.0)
+    else:
+        a = np.clip(a.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+    if a.ndim == 2:
+        return a
+    if a.ndim == 3:
+        # perceptual luminance → 2-D
+        if a.shape[2] >= 3:
+            return (0.2126*a[...,0] + 0.7152*a[...,1] + 0.0722*a[...,2]).astype(np.float32)
+        return a[...,0].astype(np.float32)
+    # last resort: collapse to (H, W)
+    return a.reshape(a.shape[0], -1).astype(np.float32)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Core ASTAP solving for a numpy image + seed header
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def _solve_numpy_with_astap(parent, settings, image: np.ndarray, seed_header: Header | None) -> Tuple[bool, Header | str]:
+    """
+    Normalize → write temp mono FITS → run ASTAP → return the EXACT FITS header ASTAP wrote.
+    """
+    astap_exe = _get_astap_exe(settings)
+    if not astap_exe or not os.path.exists(astap_exe):
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "ASTAP path is not set (see Preferences) or file not found.")
+
+    # normalize and force 2-D luminance in [0,1]
+    norm = _normalize_for_astap(image)
+    #gray = _to_gray2d_unit(image)
+    gray = _to_gray2d_unit(norm)
+
+    # build a clean temp header (strip old WCS but KEEP acquisition keys)
+    if isinstance(seed_header, Header):
+        clean_for_temp = _strip_wcs_keys(seed_header)
+        base_for_merge = clean_for_temp        # acquisition info lives here
+        _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: CLEAN_FOR_TEMP (seed_header with WCS stripped)", clean_for_temp)
+        _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: BASE_FOR_MERGE (acquisition header we expect to preserve)", base_for_merge)
+    else:
+        clean_for_temp = _minimal_header_for_gray2d(*gray.shape)
+        base_for_merge = None
+        _debug_dump_header("ASTAP: CLEAN_FOR_TEMP (minimal header, no seed)", clean_for_temp)
+
+    tmp_fit, sidecar_wcs = _write_temp_fit_via_save_image(gray, clean_for_temp)
+    print(f"[ASTAP] Temp FITS: {tmp_fit}, sidecar WCS: {sidecar_wcs}")
+
+    # seed if possible; otherwise blind
+    seed_args: list[str] = []
+    scale_arcsec = None
+    try:
+        seed_args, dbg, scale_arcsec = _build_astap_seed_with_overrides(settings, seed_header, gray)
+        if seed_args:
+            # radius & fov modes (already implemented)
+            radius_mode = _get_astap_radius_mode(settings)   # "auto" or "value"
+            fov_mode    = _get_astap_fov_mode(settings)      # "auto", "compute", "value"
+
+            # radius
+            if radius_mode == "auto":
+                r_arg = ["-r", "0"]     # ASTAP auto
+                r_dbg = "r=auto(0)"
+            else:
+                r_val = max(0.0, float(_get_astap_radius_value(settings)))
+                r_arg = ["-r", f"{r_val:.3f}"]
+                r_dbg = f"r={r_val:.3f}°"
+
+            # fov
+            if fov_mode == "auto":
+                fov_arg = ["-fov", "0"]
+                f_dbg = "fov=auto(0)"
+            elif fov_mode == "value":
+                fv = max(0.0, float(_get_astap_fov_value(settings)))
+                fov_arg = ["-fov", f"{fv:.4f}"]
+                f_dbg = f"fov={fv:.4f}°"
+            else:  # "compute"
+                fv = _compute_fov_deg(gray, scale_arcsec) or 0.0
+                fov_arg = ["-fov", f"{fv:.4f}"]
+                f_dbg = f"fov(computed)={fv:.4f}°"
+
+            seed_args = seed_args + r_arg + fov_arg
+            print("ASTAP seed:", dbg, "|", r_dbg, "|", f_dbg)
+        else:
+            print("Seed disabled/invalid → blind:", dbg)
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Seed build error:", e)
+
+    if not seed_args:
+        seed_args = ["-r", "179", "-fov", "0", "-z", "0"]
+        print("ASTAP BLIND: using arguments:", " ".join(seed_args))
+
+    args = ["-f", tmp_fit] + seed_args + ["-wcs", "-sip"]
+    print("Running ASTAP with:", " ".join([astap_exe] + args))
+
+    proc = QProcess(parent)
+    proc.start(astap_exe, args)
+    if not proc.waitForStarted(5000):
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: ASTAP failed to start."))
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Failed to start ASTAP: {0}").format(proc.errorString())
+
+    _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: ASTAP solving…"))
+    if not _wait_process(proc, 300000, parent=parent):
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: ASTAP timed out."))
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "ASTAP timed out.")
+
+    if proc.exitCode() != 0:
+        out = bytes(proc.readAllStandardOutput()).decode(errors="ignore")
+        err = bytes(proc.readAllStandardError()).decode(errors="ignore")
+        print("ASTAP failed.\nSTDOUT:\n", out, "\nSTDERR:\n", err)
+        try: os.remove(tmp_fit)
+        except Exception as e:
+            import logging
+            logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+        try:
+            if os.path.exists(sidecar_wcs): os.remove(sidecar_wcs)
+        except Exception as e:
+            import logging
+            logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "ASTAP returned a non-zero exit code.")
+
+    # >>> THIS is the key change: read the header **directly** from the FITS ASTAP wrote
+    try:
+        # Use acquisition header as base + WCS from .wcs
+        hdr = _build_header_from_astap_outputs(tmp_fit, sidecar_wcs, base_for_merge)
+    finally:
+        try: os.remove(tmp_fit)
+        except Exception as e:
+            import logging
+            logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+        try:
+            if os.path.exists(sidecar_wcs): os.remove(sidecar_wcs)
+        except Exception as e:
+            import logging
+            logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+
+    # return a REAL fits.Header (no blobs/strings/dicts)
+    return True, hdr
+
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Solve active doc in-place
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+# --- Debug helpers ---------------------------------------------------
+DEBUG_PLATESOLVE_HEADERS = False  # set False to silence all header dumps
+
+
+def _debug_dump_header(label: str, hdr: Header | None):
+    """Print a full FITS Header to the console for debugging."""
+    if not DEBUG_PLATESOLVE_HEADERS:
+        return
+
+    print(f"\n===== {label} =====")
+    if hdr is None:
+        print("  (None)")
+    elif isinstance(hdr, Header):
+        print(f"  (#cards = {len(hdr)})")
+        for k, v in hdr.items():
+            print(f"  {k:8s} = {v!r}")
+    else:
+        print(f"  (not a Header: {type(hdr)!r})")
+    print("========================================\n")
+
+def _debug_dump_meta(label: str, meta: dict):
+    if not DEBUG_PLATESOLVE_HEADERS:
+        return
+    print(f"\n===== {label} (meta keys) =====")
+    for k in sorted(meta.keys()):
+        v = meta[k]
+        print(f"  {k}: {type(v).__name__}")
+    print("================================\n")
+
+
+
+def plate_solve_doc_inplace(parent, doc, settings) -> Tuple[bool, Header | str]:
+    img = getattr(doc, "image", None)
+    if img is None:
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Active document has no image data.")
+
+    # Make sure metadata is a dict we can mutate
+    meta = getattr(doc, "metadata", {}) or {}
+    if not isinstance(meta, dict):
+        try:
+            meta = dict(meta)
+        except Exception:
+            meta = {}
+
+    _debug_dump_meta("META BEFORE SOLVE", meta)
+    _debug_dump_header("META['original_header'] BEFORE SOLVE", meta.get("original_header"))
+
+    seed_h = _seed_header_from_meta(meta)
+    _debug_dump_header("SEED HEADER FROM META (seed_h)", seed_h)
+
+    # Keep a copy of acquisition header (no WCS) for merge
+    # Prefer the true acquisition header if we have it, otherwise fall back.
+    raw_acq = meta.get("original_header") or meta.get("fits_header")
+
+    acq_base: Header | None = None
+    if isinstance(raw_acq, Header):
+        # Use the original acquisition header (OBJECT, EXPTIME, GAIN, etc.)
+        acq_base = _strip_wcs_keys(raw_acq.copy())
+        _debug_dump_header("ACQ_BASE (original/fits header with WCS stripped)", acq_base)
+    elif isinstance(seed_h, Header):
+        # Fallback: use the seed header as our acquisition base
+        acq_base = _strip_wcs_keys(seed_h.copy())
+        _debug_dump_header("ACQ_BASE (seed_h with WCS stripped)", acq_base)
+    else:
+        acq_base = None
+        _debug_dump_header("ACQ_BASE (none available)", None)
+
+    # Better debug: use our new scale estimator
+    try:
+        if isinstance(seed_h, Header):
+            ra  = seed_h.get("CRVAL1", None)
+            dec = seed_h.get("CRVAL2", None)
+            scale = _estimate_scale_arcsec_from_header(seed_h)
+            print(f"[PlateSolve seed] CRVAL1={ra}, CRVAL2={dec}, scale≈{scale} \"/px")
+        else:
+            print("[PlateSolve seed] No valid seed header available.")
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Seed: debug print failed:", e)
+
+    # Determine if we have inline status/log widgets; if not, show the popup.
+    headless = not (
+        (hasattr(parent, "status") and isinstance(getattr(parent, "status"), QLabel)) or
+        (hasattr(parent, "log") and hasattr(getattr(parent, "log"), "append")) or
+        (hasattr(parent, "findChild") and parent.findChild(QLabel, "status_label") is not None)
+    )
+    if headless:
+        _status_popup_open(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Preparing plate solve…"))
+
+    try:
+        ok, res = _solve_numpy_with_fallback(parent, settings, img, seed_h)
+        if not ok:
+            return False, res
+
+        hdr: Header = res
+        _debug_dump_header("SOLVER RAW HEADER (from _solve_numpy_with_fallback)", hdr)
+
+        # Final header = acquisition + new WCS (solver)
+        if isinstance(acq_base, Header) and isinstance(hdr, Header):
+            hdr_final = _merge_wcs_into_base_header(acq_base, hdr)
+        else:
+            hdr_final = hdr if isinstance(hdr, Header) else Header()
+
+        _debug_dump_header("FINAL MERGED HEADER (hdr_final)", hdr_final)
+        # 🔹 NEW: stash pre-solve header ONCE so we never lose it
+        try:
+            if "original_header" in meta and "pre_solve_header" not in meta:
+                old = meta["original_header"]
+                if isinstance(old, Header):
+                    meta["pre_solve_header"] = old.copy()
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("plate_solve_doc_inplace: failed to stash pre_solve_header:", e)
+
+        # 🔹 Ensure doc.metadata is our updated dict
+        doc.metadata = meta
+
+        # Store merged header as the current "original_header"
+        doc.metadata["original_header"] = hdr_final
+        _debug_dump_header("DOC.METADATA['original_header'] AFTER SOLVE", doc.metadata.get("original_header"))
+
+
+        # Build WCS object from the same header we just stored
+        try:
+            wcs_obj = WCS(hdr_final)
+            doc.metadata["wcs"] = wcs_obj
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("WCS build FAILED:", e)
+
+        # Notify UI
+        if hasattr(doc, "changed"):
+            try: doc.changed.emit()
+            except Exception as e:
+                import logging
+                logging.debug(f"Exception suppressed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+
+        if hasattr(parent, "header_viewer") and hasattr(parent.header_viewer, "set_document"):
+            QTimer.singleShot(0, lambda: parent.header_viewer.set_document(doc))
+        if hasattr(parent, "_refresh_header_viewer"):
+            QTimer.singleShot(0, lambda: parent._refresh_header_viewer(doc))
+        if hasattr(parent, "currentDocumentChanged"):
+            QTimer.singleShot(0, lambda: parent.currentDocumentChanged.emit(doc))
+
+        _set_status_ui(parent, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "Status: Plate solve completed."))
+        _status_popup_close()
+        return True, hdr
+    finally:
+        _status_popup_close()
+
+
+
+def _estimate_scale_arcsec_from_header(hdr: Header) -> float | None:
+    """
+    Estimate pixel scale in arcsec/pixel from a FITS Header.
+    Tries WCS, then CD matrix, then PC*CDELT, then PIXSCALE-style keys.
+    Returns None if we can't get a sane value.
+    """
+    # Always work on a copy with our internal meta keys stripped
+    hdr = _strip_nonfits_meta_keys_from_header(hdr)
+
+    # 1) Try astropy WCS, which handles CD vs PC*CDELT automatically
+    try:
+        w = WCS(hdr)
+        from astropy.wcs.utils import proj_plane_pixel_scales
+        scales_deg = proj_plane_pixel_scales(w)  # degrees/pixel
+        if scales_deg is not None and len(scales_deg) >= 2:
+            s_deg = float(np.mean(scales_deg[:2]))
+            scale = s_deg * 3600.0  # arcsec/pixel
+            if 0 < scale < 10000:
+                return scale
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Seed: WCS->scale via proj_plane_pixel_scales failed:", e)
+
+    # 2) Try CD matrix directly
+    cd11 = hdr.get("CD1_1")
+    cd21 = hdr.get("CD2_1")
+    try:
+        if cd11 is not None or cd21 is not None:
+            cd11 = float(cd11 or 0.0)
+            cd21 = float(cd21 or 0.0)
+            s_deg = (cd11 * cd11 + cd21 * cd21) ** 0.5
+            scale = s_deg * 3600.0
+            if 0 < scale < 10000:
+                return scale
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Seed: CD-based scale failed:", e)
+
+    # 3) Try PC * CDELT fallback
+    try:
+        cdelt1 = hdr.get("CDELT1")
+        cdelt2 = hdr.get("CDELT2")
+        pc11   = hdr.get("PC1_1")
+        pc21   = hdr.get("PC2_1")
+        if cdelt1 is not None and pc11 is not None:
+            cd11 = float(cdelt1) * float(pc11)
+        else:
+            cd11 = None
+        if cdelt2 is not None and pc21 is not None:
+            cd21 = float(cdelt2) * float(pc21)
+        else:
+            cd21 = None
+
+        if cd11 is not None or cd21 is not None:
+            s_deg = ( (cd11 or 0.0)**2 + (cd21 or 0.0)**2 ) ** 0.5
+            scale = s_deg * 3600.0
+            if 0 < scale < 10000:
+                return scale
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Seed: PC*CDELT-based scale failed:", e)
+
+    # 4) Fallback on explicit pixscale-like keywords, if present
+    for key in ("PIXSCALE", "SECPIX"):
+        if key in hdr:
+            try:
+                scale = float(hdr[key])
+                if 0 < scale < 10000:
+                    return scale
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    # If we get here, we couldn't find a sane scale
+    return None
+
+def _seed_header_from_meta(meta: dict) -> Header:
+    """
+    Build the header used for ASTAP seeding from doc.metadata.
+
+    Priority:
+      1. original_header (if present)
+      2. meta as a dict
+    Then merge in any WCS info from:
+      - meta['wcs_header'] (Header or string)
+      - meta['wcs'] (WCS object)
+    """
+    # Base: original FITS header if present, otherwise treat meta dict as header
+    base_src = meta.get("original_header") or meta.get("fits_header") or meta
+    base = _as_header(base_src)
+
+    wcs_hdr: Header | None = None
+
+    # 1) Use explicit wcs_header if present
+    raw_wcs = meta.get("wcs_header")
+    if isinstance(raw_wcs, Header):
+        wcs_hdr = raw_wcs
+    elif isinstance(raw_wcs, str):
+        # This is your case: stored as Header.tostring()
+        try:
+            # In real metadata this likely has newlines; sep='\n' handles that.
+            wcs_hdr = fits.Header.fromstring(raw_wcs, sep='\n')
+        except Exception as e:
+            print("Seed: failed to parse wcs_header string:", e)
+
+    # 2) Fallback: derive from WCS object if we still don't have a header
+    if wcs_hdr is None:
+        wcs_obj = meta.get("wcs")
+        if isinstance(wcs_obj, WCS):
+            try:
+                wcs_hdr = wcs_obj.to_header(relax=True)
+            except Exception as e:
+                print("Seed: failed to derive WCS header from WCS object:", e)
+
+    # 3) Merge WCS header into base header, with WCS keys winning
+    if wcs_hdr is not None:
+        if not isinstance(base, Header):
+            base = Header()
+        else:
+            base = base.copy()
+        for k, v in wcs_hdr.items():
+            try:
+                base[k] = v
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    return _strip_nonfits_meta_keys_from_header(base)
+
+
+def _compute_fov_deg(image: np.ndarray, arcsec_per_px: float | None) -> float | None:
+    if arcsec_per_px is None or not np.isfinite(arcsec_per_px) or arcsec_per_px <= 0:
+        return None
+    H = int(image.shape[0]) if image.ndim >= 2 else 0
+    if H <= 0:
+        return None
+    return (H * arcsec_per_px) / 3600.0  # vertical FOV in degrees
+
+def plate_solve_active_document(parent, settings) -> tuple[bool, Header | str]:
+    """
+    Convenience wrapper:
+      - Finds the active document from the given parent (main window, ImagePeeker, etc.)
+      - Calls plate_solve_doc_inplace(...)
+    
+    Returns (ok, Header | error_message).
+    """
+    doc = _active_doc_from_parent(parent)
+    if doc is None:
+        return False, QCoreApplication.translate("PlateSolver", "No active document to plate-solve.")
+
+    return plate_solve_doc_inplace(parent, doc, settings)
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Dialog UI with Active/File and Batch modes
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class PlateSolverDialog(QDialog):
+    """
+    Plate-solve either:
+      - Active View (default)
+      - Single File (via load_image/save_image)
+      - Batch (directory → directory)
+    Uses settings key: 'paths/astap' or 'astap/exe_path' for ASTAP executable.
+    """
+    def __init__(self, settings, parent=None, icon: QIcon | None = None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.settings = settings
+        self.setWindowTitle(self.tr("Plate Solver"))
+        self.setMinimumWidth(560)
+        self.setWindowFlag(Qt.WindowType.Window, True)
+        self.setWindowModality(Qt.WindowModality.NonModal)
+        self.setModal(False)
+        #self.setAttribute(Qt.WidgetAttribute.WA_DeleteOnClose, True)
+
+        # ---------------- Main containers ----------------
+        main = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        main.setContentsMargins(10, 10, 10, 10)
+        main.setSpacing(10)
+
+        # ---- Top row: Mode selector ----
+        top = QHBoxLayout()
+        top.addWidget(QLabel(self.tr("Mode:"), self))
+        self.mode_combo = QComboBox(self)
+        self.mode_combo.addItem(self.tr("Active View"), "Active View")
+        self.mode_combo.addItem(self.tr("File"), "File")
+        self.mode_combo.addItem(self.tr("Batch"), "Batch")
+        top.addWidget(self.mode_combo, 1)
+        top.addStretch(1)
+        main.addLayout(top)
+
+        # ---- Seeding group (shared) ----
+        from PyQt6.QtWidgets import QGroupBox, QFormLayout
+        seed_box = QGroupBox(self.tr("Seeding & Constraints"), self)
+        seed_form = QFormLayout(seed_box)
+        seed_form.setFieldGrowthPolicy(QFormLayout.FieldGrowthPolicy.ExpandingFieldsGrow)
+        seed_form.setHorizontalSpacing(8)
+        seed_form.setVerticalSpacing(6)
+
+        # Seed mode
+        self.cb_seed_mode = QComboBox(seed_box)
+        self.cb_seed_mode.addItem(self.tr("Auto (from header)"), "Auto (from header)")
+        self.cb_seed_mode.addItem(self.tr("Manual"), "Manual")
+        self.cb_seed_mode.addItem(self.tr("None (blind)"), "None (blind)")
+        seed_form.addRow(self.tr("Seed mode:"), self.cb_seed_mode)
+
+        # Manual RA/Dec/Scale row
+        manual_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.le_ra = QLineEdit(seed_box);   self.le_ra.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("RA (e.g. 22:32:14 or 338.1385)"))
+        self.le_dec = QLineEdit(seed_box);  self.le_dec.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("Dec (e.g. +40:42:43 or 40.7123)"))
+        self.le_scale = QLineEdit(seed_box); self.le_scale.setPlaceholderText(self.tr('Scale [" / px] (e.g. 1.46)'))
+        manual_row.addWidget(self.le_ra, 1)
+        manual_row.addWidget(self.le_dec, 1)
+        manual_row.addWidget(self.le_scale, 1)
+        seed_form.addRow(self.tr("Manual RA/Dec/Scale:"), manual_row)
+
+        # Search radius (-r)
+        rad_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.cb_radius_mode = QComboBox(seed_box)
+        self.cb_radius_mode.addItem(self.tr("Auto (-r 0)"), "Auto (-r 0)")
+        self.cb_radius_mode.addItem(self.tr("Value (deg)"), "Value (deg)")
+        self.le_radius_val = QLineEdit(seed_box); self.le_radius_val.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("e.g. 5.0"))
+        self.le_radius_val.setFixedWidth(120)
+        rad_row.addWidget(self.cb_radius_mode)
+        rad_row.addWidget(self.le_radius_val)
+        rad_row.addStretch(1)
+        seed_form.addRow(self.tr("Search radius:"), rad_row)
+
+        # FOV (-fov)
+        fov_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.cb_fov_mode = QComboBox(seed_box)
+        self.cb_fov_mode.addItem(self.tr("Compute from scale"), "Compute from scale")
+        self.cb_fov_mode.addItem(self.tr("Auto (-fov 0)"), "Auto (-fov 0)")
+        self.cb_fov_mode.addItem(self.tr("Value (deg)"), "Value (deg)")
+        self.le_fov_val = QLineEdit(seed_box); self.le_fov_val.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("e.g. 1.80"))
+        self.le_fov_val.setFixedWidth(120)
+        fov_row.addWidget(self.cb_fov_mode)
+        fov_row.addWidget(self.le_fov_val)
+        fov_row.addStretch(1)
+        seed_form.addRow(self.tr("FOV:"), fov_row)
+
+        # Tooltips
+        self.cb_seed_mode.setToolTip(self.tr("Use FITS header, your manual RA/Dec/scale, or blind solve."))
+        self.le_scale.setToolTip(self.tr('Pixel scale in arcseconds/pixel (e.g., 1.46).'))
+        self.cb_radius_mode.setToolTip(self.tr("ASTAP -r. Auto lets ASTAP choose; Value forces a cone radius."))
+        self.cb_fov_mode.setToolTip(self.tr("ASTAP -fov. Compute uses image height × scale; Auto lets ASTAP infer."))
+
+        main.addWidget(seed_box)
+
+        # ---------------- Stacked pages ----------------
+        self.stack = QStackedWidget(self)
+        main.addWidget(self.stack, 1)
+
+        # Page 0: Active View
+        p0 = QWidget(self); l0 = QVBoxLayout(p0)
+        l0.addWidget(QLabel(self.tr("Solve the currently active image view."), p0))
+        l0.addStretch(1)
+        self.stack.addWidget(p0)
+
+        # Page 1: File picker
+        p1 = QWidget(self); l1 = QVBoxLayout(p1)
+        file_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.le_path = QLineEdit(p1); self.le_path.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("Choose an image…"))
+        btn_browse = QPushButton(self.tr("Browse…"), p1)
+        file_row.addWidget(self.le_path, 1); file_row.addWidget(btn_browse)
+        l1.addLayout(file_row); l1.addStretch(1)
+        self.stack.addWidget(p1)
+
+        # Page 2: Batch
+        p2 = QWidget(self); l2 = QVBoxLayout(p2)
+        in_row  = QHBoxLayout(); out_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.le_in  = QLineEdit(p2);  self.le_in.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("Input directory"))
+        self.le_out = QLineEdit(p2);  self.le_out.setPlaceholderText(self.tr("Output directory"))
+        b_in  = QPushButton(self.tr("Browse Input…"), p2)
+        b_out = QPushButton(self.tr("Browse Output…"), p2)
+        in_row.addWidget(self.le_in, 1);   in_row.addWidget(b_in)
+        out_row.addWidget(self.le_out, 1); out_row.addWidget(b_out)
+        self.log = QTextEdit(p2); self.log.setReadOnly(True); self.log.setMinimumHeight(160)
+        l2.addLayout(in_row); l2.addLayout(out_row); l2.addWidget(QLabel(self.tr("Status:"), p2)); l2.addWidget(self.log, 1)
+        self.stack.addWidget(p2)
+
+        # ---------------- Status + buttons ----------------
+        self.status = QLabel("", self)
+        self.status.setMinimumHeight(20)
+        main.addWidget(self.status)
+
+        btn_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        btn_row.addStretch(1)
+        self.btn_go = QPushButton(self.tr("Start"), self)
+        self.btn_close = QPushButton(self.tr("Close"), self)
+        btn_row.addWidget(self.btn_go)
+        btn_row.addWidget(self.btn_close)
+        main.addLayout(btn_row)
+
+        # ---------------- Connections ----------------
+        self.mode_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(self.stack.setCurrentIndex)
+        btn_browse.clicked.connect(self._browse_file)
+        b_in.clicked.connect(self._browse_in)
+        b_out.clicked.connect(self._browse_out)
+        self.btn_go.clicked.connect(self._run)
+        self.btn_close.clicked.connect(self.close)
+
+        # ---------------- Load settings & init UI ----------------
+        mode_map = {"auto": 0, "manual": 1, "none": 2}
+        self.cb_seed_mode.setCurrentIndex(mode_map.get(_get_seed_mode(self.settings), 0))
+        self.le_ra.setText(_get_manual_ra(self.settings))
+        self.le_dec.setText(_get_manual_dec(self.settings))
+        scl = _get_manual_scale(self.settings)
+        self.le_scale.setText("" if scl is None else str(scl))
+
+        self.cb_radius_mode.setCurrentIndex(0 if _get_astap_radius_mode(self.settings) == "auto" else 1)
+        self.le_radius_val.setText(str(_get_astap_radius_value(self.settings)))
+
+        fov_mode = _get_astap_fov_mode(self.settings)
+        self.cb_fov_mode.setCurrentIndex(1 if fov_mode == "auto" else (2 if fov_mode == "value" else 0))
+        self.le_fov_val.setText(str(_get_astap_fov_value(self.settings)))
+
+        def _update_visibility():
+            manual = (self.cb_seed_mode.currentIndex() == 1)
+            self.le_ra.setEnabled(manual)
+            self.le_dec.setEnabled(manual)
+            self.le_scale.setEnabled(manual)
+            self.le_radius_val.setEnabled(self.cb_radius_mode.currentIndex() == 1)
+            self.le_fov_val.setEnabled(self.cb_fov_mode.currentIndex() == 2)
+
+        self.cb_seed_mode.currentIndexChanged.connect(_update_visibility)
+        self.cb_radius_mode.currentIndexChanged.connect(_update_visibility)
+        self.cb_fov_mode.currentIndexChanged.connect(_update_visibility)
+        _update_visibility()
+
+        if icon:
+            self.setWindowIcon(icon)
+
+        self.status.setObjectName("status_label")
+        # if batch page exists:
+        self.log.setObjectName("batch_log")
+
+    # ---------- file/batch pickers ----------
+    def _browse_file(self):
+        f, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+            self, self.tr("Choose Image"),
+            "", self.tr("Images (*.fits *.fit *.xisf *.tif *.tiff *.png *.jpg *.jpeg);;All files (*)")
+        )
+        if f:
+            self.le_path.setText(f)
+
+    def _browse_in(self):
+        d = QFileDialog.getExistingDirectory(self, self.tr("Choose input directory"))
+        if d: self.le_in.setText(d)
+
+    def _browse_out(self):
+        d = QFileDialog.getExistingDirectory(self, self.tr("Choose output directory"))
+        if d: self.le_out.setText(d)
+
+    # ---------- actions ----------
+    def _run(self):
+        astap_exe = _get_astap_exe(self.settings)
+        if not astap_exe or not os.path.exists(astap_exe):
+            self.status.setText(self.tr("ASTAP path missing. Set Preferences → ASTAP executable."))
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, self.tr("Plate Solver"), self.tr("ASTAP path missing.\nSet it in Preferences → ASTAP executable."))
+            return
+
+        idx = self.cb_seed_mode.currentIndex()
+        _set_seed_mode(self.settings, "auto" if idx == 0 else ("manual" if idx == 1 else "none"))
+        # manual values
+        try:
+            manual_scale = float(self.le_scale.text().strip()) if self.le_scale.text().strip() else None
+        except Exception:
+            manual_scale = None
+        _set_manual_seed(self.settings, self.le_ra.text().strip(), self.le_dec.text().strip(), manual_scale)
+        # radius
+        self.settings.setValue("astap/seed_radius_mode", "auto" if self.cb_radius_mode.currentIndex()==0 else "value")
+        try:
+            self.settings.setValue("astap/seed_radius_value", float(self.le_radius_val.text().strip()))
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        # fov
+        self.settings.setValue("astap/seed_fov_mode",
+                               "compute" if self.cb_fov_mode.currentIndex()==0 else ("auto" if self.cb_fov_mode.currentIndex()==1 else "value"))
+        try:
+            self.settings.setValue("astap/seed_fov_value", float(self.le_fov_val.text().strip()))
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        mode = self.stack.currentIndex()
+        if mode == 0:
+            # Active view
+            doc = _active_doc_from_parent(self.parent())
+            if not doc:
+                QMessageBox.information(self, self.tr("Plate Solver"), self.tr("No active image view."))
+                return
+            ok, res = plate_solve_doc_inplace(self, doc, self.settings)
+            if ok:
+                self.status.setText(self.tr("Solved with ASTAP (WCS + SIP applied to active doc)."))
+                QTimer.singleShot(0, self.accept)  # close when done
+            else:
+                self.status.setText(str(res))
+        elif mode == 1:
+            # Single file
+            path = self.le_path.text().strip()
+            if not path:
+                QMessageBox.information(self, self.tr("Plate Solver"), self.tr("Choose a file to solve."))
+                return
+            if not os.path.exists(path):
+                QMessageBox.warning(self, self.tr("Plate Solver"), self.tr("Selected file does not exist."))
+                return
+            self._solve_file(path)
+        else:
+            self._run_batch()
+
+    def _solve_file(self, path: str):
+        # Load using legacy.load_image()
+        try:
+            image_data, original_header, bit_depth, is_mono = load_image(path)
+        except Exception as e:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, self.tr("Plate Solver"), self.tr("Cannot read image:\n{0}").format(e))
+            return
+        if image_data is None:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, self.tr("Plate Solver"), self.tr("Unsupported or unreadable image."))
+            return
+
+        # Seed header from original_header
+        seed_h = _as_header(original_header) if isinstance(original_header, (dict, Header)) else None
+
+        # Acquisition base for final merge (strip old WCS)
+        acq_base: Header | None = None
+        if isinstance(seed_h, Header):
+            acq_base = _strip_wcs_keys(seed_h)
+
+        # Solve
+        ok, res = _solve_numpy_with_fallback(self, self.settings, image_data, seed_h)
+        if not ok:
+            self.status.setText(str(res))
+            return
+        solver_hdr: Header = res
+
+        # Merge solver WCS into acquisition header
+        if isinstance(acq_base, Header) and isinstance(solver_hdr, Header):
+            hdr_final = _merge_wcs_into_base_header(acq_base, solver_hdr)
+        else:
+            hdr_final = solver_hdr if isinstance(solver_hdr, Header) else Header()
+
+        # Save-as using legacy.save_image() with ORIGINAL pixels (not normalized)
+        save_path, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(
+            self,
+            self.tr("Save Plate-Solved FITS"),
+            "",
+            self.tr("FITS files (*.fits *.fit)")
+        )
+        if save_path:
+            try:
+                # never persist 'file_path' inside FITS
+                h2 = Header()
+                for k in hdr_final.keys():
+                    if k.upper() != "FILE_PATH":
+                        h2[k] = hdr_final[k]
+
+                save_image(
+                    img_array=image_data,
+                    filename=save_path,
+                    original_format="fit",
+                    bit_depth="32-bit floating point",
+                    original_header=h2,
+                    is_mono=is_mono
+                )
+                self.status.setText(self.tr("Solved FITS saved:\n{0}").format(save_path))
+                QTimer.singleShot(0, self.accept)
+            except Exception as e:
+                QMessageBox.critical(self, self.tr("Save Error"), self.tr("Failed to save: {0}").format(e))
+        else:
+            self.status.setText(self.tr("Solved (not saved)."))
+
+
+    def _run_batch(self):
+        in_dir  = self.le_in.text().strip()
+        out_dir = self.le_out.text().strip()
+        if not in_dir or not os.path.isdir(in_dir):
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, self.tr("Batch"), self.tr("Please choose a valid input directory."))
+            return
+        if not out_dir or not os.path.isdir(out_dir):
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, self.tr("Batch"), self.tr("Please choose a valid output directory."))
+            return
+
+        exts = {".xisf", ".fits", ".fit", ".tif", ".tiff", ".png", ".jpg", ".jpeg"}
+        files = [
+            os.path.join(in_dir, f)
+            for f in os.listdir(in_dir)
+            if os.path.splitext(f)[1].lower() in exts
+        ]
+        if not files:
+            QMessageBox.information(self, self.tr("Batch"), self.tr("No acceptable image files found."))
+            return
+
+        self.log.clear()
+        self.log.append(self.tr("Found {0} files. Starting batch…").format(len(files)))
+        QApplication.processEvents()
+
+        for path in files:
+            base = os.path.splitext(os.path.basename(path))[0]
+            out  = os.path.join(out_dir, base + "_plate_solved.fits")
+            self.log.append(f"▶ {path}") # Symbol, no need to translate
+            QApplication.processEvents()
+
+            try:
+                # Load using legacy.load_image()
+                image_data, original_header, bit_depth, is_mono = load_image(path)
+                if image_data is None:
+                    self.log.append(self.tr("  ❌ Failed to load"))
+                    continue
+
+                # Seed header from original_header
+                seed_h = _as_header(original_header) if isinstance(original_header, (dict, Header)) else None
+
+                # Acquisition base for final merge (strip old WCS)
+                acq_base: Header | None = None
+                if isinstance(seed_h, Header):
+                    acq_base = _strip_wcs_keys(seed_h)
+
+                # Solve
+                ok, res = _solve_numpy_with_fallback(self, self.settings, image_data, seed_h)
+                if not ok:
+                    self.log.append(f"  ❌ {res}")
+                    continue
+                hdr: Header = res
+
+                # Merge solver WCS into acquisition header
+                if isinstance(acq_base, Header) and isinstance(hdr, Header):
+                    hdr_final = _merge_wcs_into_base_header(acq_base, hdr)
+                else:
+                    hdr_final = hdr if isinstance(hdr, Header) else Header()
+
+                # Build header to save (and strip FILE_PATH)
+                h2 = Header()
+                for k in hdr_final.keys():
+                    if k.upper() != "FILE_PATH":
+                        h2[k] = hdr_final[k]
+
+                # Save using original pixels
+                save_image(
+                    img_array=image_data,
+                    filename=out,
+                    original_format="fit",
+                    bit_depth="32-bit floating point",
+                    original_header=h2,
+                    is_mono=is_mono
+                )
+                self.log.append(self.tr("  ✔ saved: ") + out)
+
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.log.append(self.tr("  ❌ error: ") + str(e))
+
+            QApplication.processEvents()
+
+        self.log.append(self.tr("Batch plate solving completed."))
+