def averageNumberOfTransits(beta):
  """
  Returns the number of transits across the Gaia focal plane averaged over ecliptic longitude.

  Parameters
  ----------

  beta - Value(s) of the Ecliptic latitude.

  Returns
  -------

  Average number of transits for the input values of beta.
  """
  indices = array(floor(abs(sin(beta))*_numStepsSinBeta), dtype=int)
  indices[(indices==_numStepsSinBeta)] = _numStepsSinBeta-1
  return _averageTransitNumber[indices]
Returns the number of transits across the Gaia focal plane averaged over ecliptic longitude.

  Parameters
  ----------

  beta - Value(s) of the Ecliptic latitude.

  Returns
  -------

  Average number of transits for the input values of beta.