def _ephem_convert_to_seconds_and_microseconds(date):
    # utility from unreleased PyEphem 3.6.7.1
    """Converts a PyEphem date into seconds"""
    microseconds = int(round(24 * 60 * 60 * 1000000 * date))
    seconds, microseconds = divmod(microseconds, 1000000)
    seconds -= 2209032000  # difference between epoch 1900 and epoch 1970
    return seconds, microseconds
Converts a PyEphem date into seconds