"From Capturing to Editing: The Best Software for Astrophotography "
Part of the Milky Way Processed with Photoshop
The night sky is a canvas of infinite beauty, adorned with twinkling stars, swirling galaxies, and mysterious nebulae. For astrophotography enthusiasts, capturing these celestial wonders is a passion that knows no bounds. With each new image, we uncover the secrets of the universe and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of its boundless majesty.
To embark on this cosmic journey, we must equip ourselves with the right tools - and that's where astrophotography software comes in. From planetarium software that helps us plan our shoots, to acquisition software that ensures we capture the perfect shot, to stacking and processing software that reveals the hidden details of our images, these powerful tools unlock the potential of astrophotography.
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Planetarium Software|Acquisition Software|Stacking & Post Processing Software
or
Stellarium|Cartes du Ciel|KStars|SkySafari|TheSky™ Pro|CPWI|NINA |Ekos|SGP|APT|MaxIm DL|ASIAIR APP |BackyardEOS/NIKON|DeepSkyStacker|PixInsight|AstroPixelProcessor|Siril|Star Tools|Photoshop|Starry Landscape Stacker|Astro Panel| Sequator|StarStax|StarNet++|RC-Astro Plugins|Astronomy Tools|Annie's Astro Actions|Photokemi’s Star Tool|FireCapture|SharpCap!|WinJUPOS||Registax|SharpCap|Autostakkert!
Planetarium Software
Planetarium software is a powerful tool for simulating the night sky and allowing users to preview the positions of celestial objects at different times, it can help astrophotographers plan and execute their shots more effectively and control their mounts. Some planetarium software can also provide information on the optimal camera settings and exposure times for capturing certain objects, as well as offer guidance on tracking the movement of the stars and planets during long exposures. Additionally, some planetarium software can even generate accurate star charts and sky maps that can be used as references when identifying and labeling objects in astrophotography images. Most of these programs can communicate with our mounts through special drivers like ASCOM and INDI and go to our telescopes wherever target we choose.
(Operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux)
Free
Stellarium is a free and open-source planetarium software that allows users to view the night sky and observe stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial objects in real time. Stellarium offers a realistic and accurate 3D simulation of the night sky, using a catalog of over 600,000 stars and other celestial objects. Users can adjust the time and location to see how the night sky changes throughout the day and can zoom in and out to get a closer look at specific objects. Stellarium also includes features such as the ability to simulate solar and lunar eclipses, display the positions of satellites and asteroids, display the constellations of different cultures and civilizations, display shooting star events, and control your mount. In addition, the Field of View tool allows the user to simulate how an object will look depending on his setup. Stellarium comes as a mobile or PC app and also as an online web page but with limited settings. Overall is a beautiful free planetarium well regarded among amateur astrophotographers.
Stellarium
(Operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux)
Free
Cartes du Ciel is a free and open-source planetarium software that allows users to explore and visualize the night sky from their computer. It was developed by French astronomer Patrick Chevalley. The software includes a catalog of over a million stars, planets, asteroids, comets, and deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. It also includes data on the positions of the planets and their moons, as well as information on the phases of the Moon, eclipses, and other astronomical events.
Cartes du Ciel features a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily navigate through the night sky, zoom in on specific objects, and switch between different views and projections. Users can also customize their viewing experience by adjusting the brightness and color of objects, displaying constellations and grids, and adding their own custom objects and labels. Cartes du Ciel also comes with a built-in ASCOM control for Sky-Watcher, Vixen, Orion, iOptron, and Celestron mounts. Overall, Cartes du Ciel is a powerful and versatile tool for amateur astronomers, educators, and anyone interested in exploring and learning about the wonders of the universe.
Cartes Du Ciel
(Operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux)
Free
KStars is a free and open-source planetarium software developed by the KDE Education Project. It is designed for amateur astronomers and provides a wide range of features for observing and understanding the night sky.
KStars allows users to view a real-time simulation of the sky from any location on Earth and provides information about stars, planets, comets, asteroids, and other celestial objects. It also includes features such as telescope control, observation planning, and astrophotography tools as a FOV editor to calculate the field of view of equipment. Some of its key features include:
Sky Maps and Charts: KStars provides detailed sky maps and charts that allow users to explore the positions and properties of celestial objects in the night sky.
Telescope Control: KStars can be connected to various types of telescope mounts, allowing users to control their telescopes directly from the software.
Observation planner: KStars includes an observation planner that can help users plan their observing sessions. Users can select a date and time, and KStars will show them which objects will be visible at that time from their location. Users can also create observing lists and mark objects as observed.
Object Catalogs: KStars includes a database of over 100 million celestial objects, including stars, planets, asteroids, comets, and more, with detailed information on their properties, locations, and movements.
Astrophotography Tools: KStars offers a variety of tools for astrophotography, including the ability to control camera settings, generate exposure guides, and calculate optimal tracking rates.
Simulation and Animation: KStars can simulate the night sky at any time and location, and can generate time-lapse animations to show the movement of celestial objects over time.
Educational Resources: KStars includes a range of educational resources, such as interactive tutorials and lessons on astronomy and astrophysics
KStars
(Operating systems: Android, Mac OS X)
Paid
SkySafari is a planetarium software with a detailed view of the night sky. The software utilizes cutting-edge technology to create an immersive and interactive experience for users, with features such as 3D graphics, time-lapse animations, and telescope control. SkySafari's extensive database contains information on over 120,000 celestial objects, including stars, planets, galaxies, and more, with detailed data on their properties, locations, and movements. This data is continually updated to reflect the latest astronomical discoveries and observations.
SkySafari can be connected to various types of telescope mounts, allowing users to control the movement of their telescopes directly from the software. This feature is especially useful for astrophotography, as it allows for precise tracking and positioning of celestial objects during long exposures. SkySafari supports a wide range of mounts, including equatorial, alt-azimuth, and German equatorial mounts, and can communicate with them using a variety of protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or serial cables. In addition to telescope control, SkySafari can also provide information on the optimal tracking rates, guiding rates, and other parameters necessary for astrophotography. Overall, the ability to connect with mounts makes SkySafari an essential tool for astrophotographers looking to capture stunning images of the night sky. Some of the key features of SkySafari also include:
Sky Map: The app provides a highly detailed sky map that shows stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial objects in real time. Users can zoom in and out, rotate the map, and adjust the brightness of objects.
Telescope Control: SkySafari allows users to remotely control their telescope from within the app. Users can select an object on the sky map, and the app will automatically move the telescope to that object.
Observation Planning: SkySafari includes an observation planner that helps users plan their observing sessions. Users can select a date and time, and the app will show them which objects will be visible at that time from their location.
Augmented Reality: SkySafari includes an augmented reality feature that allows users to point their device at the sky and see an overlay of stars, constellations, and other objects.
Time Travel: SkySafari allows users to travel through time and see how the sky changes over the course of a day, a week, or even centuries.
Information on Celestial Objects: The app provides detailed information on stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial objects. Users can learn about an object's properties, history, and mythology.
Multimedia Content: SkySafari includes a range of multimedia content, including images, videos, and audio recordings, that can help users explore and understand the universe.
SkySafari app
(Operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Multi-OS+ option)
Paid
The software provides a set of tools for observing and imaging celestial objects, including stars, galaxies, nebulae, and planets. It features a customizable user interface that allows users to tailor the software to their individual needs and preferences. Some of the key features of TheSky™ Professional software include:
Interactive sky charts: The software provides a highly detailed and interactive sky chart that allows users to zoom in and out, pan across the sky, and explore different areas of the night sky.
Advanced telescope control: TheSky™ Professional software provides advanced telescope control features, allowing users to control their telescopes and point them to specific celestial objects with ease.
Image processing tools: The software provides advanced image processing tools that allow users to process and enhance images captured with their telescopes or cameras.
Comprehensive object databases: TheSky™ Professional software includes comprehensive object databases that provide detailed information on over 25 million stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial objects.
User-friendly interface: The software features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
TheSky™ Professional
(Celestron-only, Windows)
Free
If you are a Celestron mount user then you can’t go wrong with CPWI. This is a very powerful planetarium software designed for Celestron telescopes that provides a range of features for controlling and automating telescopes. Some of its key highlights include:
Telescope Control: CPWI allows users to control their Celestron telescopes directly from the software, providing precise and reliable positioning and tracking of celestial objects.
Sky Maps and Charts: CPWI provides high-quality, detailed sky maps and charts that allow users to explore the night sky and locate specific celestial objects.
Object Catalogs: CPWI includes a comprehensive database of over 10,000 celestial objects, with detailed information on their properties and locations.
Automatic Alignment: CPWI can automatically align Celestron telescopes using its SkyAlign technology, which makes the alignment process quick and easy.
Guiding: CPWI offers a range of guiding options for astrophotography, including the ability to guide on a specific star or object, or to use a guide camera.
Customization: CPWI allows users to customize the software for their specific telescopes and observing conditions, including the ability to adjust settings for different types of telescopes and observing modes.
CPWI
Acquisition Software
Astrophotography acquisition software is designed to help astrophotographers capture high-quality images of celestial objects. Some of the fancy features that you can expect to find in this type of software include things like Camera Control, Auto-Guiding, Sequencing, Mosaic Planning, Frame and Focus Mode, Plate Solving, Image Preview, and Live Stacking.
(Windows)
Free
NINA (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) is a free, open-source astrophotography suite so powerful that is lately the most popular choice for amateur astrophotographers. It provides full control of our imaging setups, mounts, cameras, filter wheels, rotators, and focusers. NINA also offers integration with PHD2, polar alignment, guiding, plate solving, automated meridian flips, framing assistance, image processing, flat wizard, and connection with Skysafari, SkyX, and Stellarium. The capabilities of NINA are endless but let’s see a summary of key features:
Camera Control: The software allows users to control their camera settings directly from the computer, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more.
Auto-Guiding: The software can automatically guide the telescope to keep it precisely pointed at the desired object, even during long exposures.
Sequencing: This feature can create and execute sequences of exposures, allowing users to capture multiple images of the same object with different camera settings or filters.
Frame and Focus: The software provides tools for framing and focusing the telescope on the desired object before beginning a sequence of exposures.
Image Preview and Processing: The software allows users to preview and process their images directly within the program, including stacking and alignment of multiple images.
Customization: The software can be customized to work with different types of telescopes, cameras, and other equipment, allowing users to tailor the program to their specific needs.
Focusing Aid: This feature provides a focusing aid tool that allows users to quickly and accurately focus their telescope on the desired target.
Weather Monitoring: The software includes a built-in weather monitoring tool that can alert users to changes in weather conditions that may affect their imaging session.
Scripting: NINA has a scripting engine that enables users to automate complex imaging routines and create custom scripts.
Observing Planner: The software includes an observing planner that provides information on upcoming celestial events and helps users plan their imaging sessions.
Dark Frame and Flat Frame Management: NINA allows users to create and manage dark frames and flat frames to improve the quality of their images.
Equipment Manager: The software includes an equipment manager that makes it easy to manage and configure all connected devices, including telescopes, cameras, and filters.
Multi-Camera Support: NINA supports multiple cameras, making it possible to capture data from different cameras simultaneously.
NINA
(Windows, OSX, Linux)
Free
Ekos is the astrophotography suite of Kstars, a complete astrophotography solution that can control all INDI devices including numerous telescopes, CCDs, DSLRs, focusers, filters, and a lot more. It is designed to make the process of capturing, calibrating, and analyzing astronomical images and spectra easier and more efficient. Here is a list of some of Ekos' main features:
Auto-focusing: Ekos can automatically adjust the focus of your telescope to ensure that your images are sharp and clear.
Guiding: Ekos can guide your telescope using an autoguider or a guide camera to compensate for any tracking errors caused by your mount.
Polar alignment: The software includes a polar alignment routine that can help you align your mount with the celestial pole for more accurate tracking.
Sequence manager: Ekos allows you to create complex image capture sequences, including dithering and filter changes, and can automatically execute them for you.
Plate solving: The software can use plate-solving to automatically determine the position and orientation of your telescope, making it easier to find and track celestial objects.
Image preview and analysis: Ekos includes tools for previewing and analyzing your images, including histogram and star detection tools.
Spectroscopy support: The software includes support for spectroscopy, including automatic wavelength calibration and spectral data analysis.
Telescope and camera control: Ekos can control a wide range of telescopes and cameras, including CCD and DSLR cameras, and can automatically adjust camera settings to optimize image quality.
Weather monitoring: This feature can monitor weather conditions and automatically suspend image capture if conditions are not favorable.
Remote control: The software can be used to remotely control your observatory and telescope, allowing you to operate your equipment from a remote location.
Extremely accurate GOTOs using astrometry.net solver (both Online and Offline solvers supported)
Automated unattended meridian flip. This feature performs post-meridian flip alignment, calibration, focusing, and guiding to resume the capture session.
EKOS
(Windows)
Paid
Sequence Generator Pro (SGP) is a powerful astrophotography software that allows users to automate the capture of images of celestial objects using various astrophotography equipment such as telescopes, cameras, and filters. SGP offers a comprehensive set of features to help astrophotographers streamline their imaging process, minimize user intervention, and improve their image quality. Some of these features include:
Camera Control: SGP supports a wide range of cameras, including DSLRs, CCDs, and CMOS cameras from various manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and ZWO.
Telescope Control: The software allows you to control your telescope and set up automatic focusing and guiding for precise tracking.
Autofocus: This feature can automate the focusing process using various focus methods such as contrast, HFR, and temperature compensation.
Guiding: The software has built-in guiding capabilities and supports various guiding cameras and methods.
Plate Solving: SGP can automatically solve the astrophotography field of view to ensure accurate pointing and tracking.
Target Planning: The software provides tools to plan your astrophotography session by selecting targets, setting up filters, and creating sequencing plans.
Automated Sequencing: This feature can automate the entire astrophotography session, from target acquisition to image capture, and filter changes.
Weather Safety: The software can monitor the weather conditions and automatically shut down your imaging session to protect your equipment.
Image Analysis: SGP has built-in image analysis tools to help you calibrate, stack, and process your images.
Plug-in Support: The software has a robust plug-in system that allows users to customize and extend the software's functionality.
Multi-Camera Support: SGP can control multiple cameras and telescopes simultaneously, allowing you to capture multiple targets or different exposures at once.
Multiple Filters: The software supports multiple filters, allowing users to capture images using different wavelength filters for deep sky astrophotography.
User-Friendly Interface: SGP has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and navigate.
SGP
(Windows)
Paid
Astrophotography Tool (APT) likes to introduce itself like a Swiss army knife for astro imaging sessions. It’s been around since 2009 and it costs a really affordable fee. It is packed with features for everything an amateur astrophotographer needs in an easy and comfortable-to-use interface with a design that had no alternative back in 2009 when it was released.
Camera Control: APT supports many popular DSLR, mirrorless, and CCD cameras. It provides complete control over camera settings such as ISO, exposure time, and aperture.
Focusing Assistance: APT can help you achieve precise focus using a variety of methods, including live view, autofocus, and focusing aids such as Bahtinov masks.
Guiding Support: The software can guide your telescope using popular guiding devices such as PHD2, Maxim DL, and SkyWatcher SynScan.
Frame and Focus: This feature allows you to quickly and easily fine-tune your focus and framing before starting a long exposure session.
Sequence Planning: The software allows you to plan and automate your astrophotography sessions with ease. You can create complex sequences of exposures, filter changes, and telescope movements.
Plate Solving: APT can analyze your images and automatically determine the position and orientation of your telescope. This makes it easier to plan your next shot and align your telescope.
Image Preview: The software provides a real-time preview of your images as they are being captured. You can easily check exposure, focus, and framing without having to leave the software.
Image Processing: APT has several built-in image processing tools, including stacking, calibration, and image alignment. You can also use third-party software such as DeepSkyStacker or PixInsight to process your images.
Field of View Calculator: This feature helps you determine the field of view of your telescope and camera setup.
Dark and Flat Frame Assistant: APT provides tools to help you capture and process dark and flat frames, which are necessary for accurate image calibration.
Multi-Camera Support: APT allows you to control multiple cameras simultaneously, making it easier to capture different parts of the sky.
Time-Lapse Photography: This feature supports time-lapse photography, allowing you to capture images over an extended period.
Meteor Shower Capture: This feature helps you capture images of meteor showers by automating the process of capturing images and stacking them.
Remote Control: APT can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
Telescope Control: APT can control many popular telescopes using ASCOM drivers. This makes it easier to align and track objects in the sky.
APT
(Windows)
Paid
Maxim DL is the dinosaur in the room, an all-in-one astronomical imaging and data processing software developed by Diffraction Limited in 1993. It is a powerful and versatile tool for astrophotography and scientific research, used by amateur and professional astronomers alike, and is around for quite a few years.
Image Acquisition: Maxim DL provides a comprehensive set of features for capturing astronomical images, including support for multiple camera types, filter wheels, auto-guiding, and scripting. It also offers advanced image calibration and stacking tools for combining multiple frames into a single high-quality image.
Image Processing: Maxim DL includes a wide range of image processing tools for enhancing and analyzing astronomical images. These tools include noise reduction, image alignment, flat-field correction, dark-frame subtraction, and color balancing.
Data Analysis: Maxim DL offers a variety of data analysis tools for scientific research, including photometry, astrometry, and spectroscopy. It also includes advanced tools for image measurement and analysis, such as star detection and image statistics.
Telescope Control: Maxim DL supports telescope control for a wide range of telescopes and mounts, allowing users to automate image acquisition and processing tasks.
Scripting: Maxim DL includes a powerful scripting language for automating complex tasks and workflows. It also supports Python scripting for advanced users.
User Interface: Maxim DL provides a user-friendly interface with customizable layouts, toolbars, and shortcuts. It also offers extensive documentation and online resources for users to learn and troubleshoot.
Supported Camera and Telescope Hardware: Maxim DL supports a wide range of astronomical cameras and telescopes, including CCD and CMOS cameras, filter wheels, autoguiders, and mounts.
Overall, Maxim DL is a comprehensive tool for astronomical imaging and research, providing users with a wide range of features and capabilities to capture, process, and analyze high-quality astronomical data.
Maxim DL
(WINDOWS, MAC, iOS & iPadOS, ANDROID)
FREE
ASIAIR is an application by ZWO that allows you to control your astrophotography setup using your smartphone or tablet. It is compatible with a range of ZWO, Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras, and various mounts. It is a closed system meaning you can only use it with an ASIAIR device like Pro, Plus, or Mini and ZWO accessories. Here is a list of the main features of the ASIAIR app:
Camera control: You can control your ZWO camera directly from the app. This includes adjusting settings such as gain, exposure time, and temperature.
Auto-guiding: ASIAIR has an auto-guiding feature that uses a guide camera to keep your telescope pointed at the same spot in the sky. This helps to ensure that your images are sharp and well-focused.
Polar alignment: ASIAIR includes a polar alignment feature that helps you align your mount with the North Star, making it easier to track celestial objects accurately.
Image preview: You can preview your images directly in the app, which allows you to check for focus and framing before you start a long exposure.
Image capture: ASIAIR allows you to capture images directly from the app. This includes single exposures as well as sequences of exposures for stacking later.
Sequencing: You can set up sequences of images to be captured automatically, which is useful for capturing a series of images for stacking.
Plate solving: ASIAIR includes a plate-solving feature that helps you identify celestial objects in your images.
Sky maps: The app includes a sky map that shows you the current position of celestial objects.
Polar finder scope: ASIAIR has a polar finder scope that helps you align your mount with the North Star.
Focus assist: The app includes a focus assist feature that helps you achieve sharp focus by displaying a live view of your image with a focus aid overlay.
Camera cooling: ASIAIR can control the cooling system of your ZWO camera, allowing you to reduce noise in your images.
ASIAR APP
(Windows)
Paid
BackyardEOS and BackyardNIKON are astrophotography acquisition software programs that are designed specifically for Canon and Nikon cameras, respectively. Τhe software has an easy-to-use interface and is popular among astrophotographers. The main features of the program are:
Live view: Both BackyardEOS and BackyardNIKON have a live view mode that allows you to see what your camera is pointing at in real time. This is also useful for framing and focusing your shots.
Focusing tools: BackyardEOS and BackyardNIKON have several focusing tools that make it easy to achieve sharp focus on your images. These include focus aids such as focus peaking and digital zoom, as well as the ability to perform autofocus and focus stacking.
Image capture control: Both programs allow you to control various camera settings, such as shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and white balance.
Planetary imaging: BackyardNIKON includes a planetary imaging module that is specifically designed for capturing high-quality images of the planets. This module includes features such as image stabilization and the ability to record videos for later processing.
Time-lapse imaging: BackyardEOS includes a time-lapse module that allows you to create time-lapse videos of the night sky. You can set the duration, interval, and other parameters to customize your time-lapse videos.
Autoguiding support: Both BackyardEOS and BackyardNIKON support autoguiding.
Plate solving: Both programs support plate solving. This feature allows you to quickly and easily align your telescope with your desired target.
BackyardEOS
Stacking & Post Processing Software
Collecting those precious photons is half the job. Post-processing is the other half. Difficult procedures such as star alignment, stacking, calibrate pre-processing, background removal, star reduction, etc. need dedicated software for reaching our images in a high-quality result. Let’s find out the most important software solutions in astrophotography.
(Windows)
Free
DeepSkyStacker is a cool software that's specifically designed for the calibration, alignment, and stacking of astronomical images. Since 2006 under its wings carries tools that have grown many generations of astrophotographers beginners and seasoned pros alike.
Calibration: DSS can calibrate your images by removing noise, hot/cold pixels, and correcting other technical issues that may be present in your images.
Alignment: After calibration, DSS can align your images by matching up the stars in each frame to create a single, combined image.
Stacking: DSS stacks the aligned images on top of each other to create a final image that has less noise and better detail than any of the individual images.
Post-processing: DSS allows for some basic post-processing of the stacked image.
Light Pollution Removal: DSS has a built-in light pollution removal tool that can help remove the effects of light pollution from your images.
Comet and Asteroid Stacking: DSS can stack images of comets and asteroids to create a final image that shows the object's movement over time.
Auto-Adaptive Weighting: DSS automatically calculates the best weight for each image based on the signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring that the best quality images have the most weight in the final stack.
Batch Processing: DSS allows you to process multiple images at once, which is great for processing large sets of images.
Dark Frame Subtraction: DSS can subtract dark frames from your images, which helps remove any noise caused by the camera's sensor.
Flat Field Correction: DSS can correct any vignetting or other issues caused by your camera lens using flat field correction.
Multi-Session Stacking: DSS can stack images taken over multiple nights or sessions, which is great for creating long-exposure images.
Multi-Resolution Stacking: DSS can stack images of different resolutions, which can help create a final image with better detail and resolution.
DSS
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Paid
Pixinsight is the big gun in the astrophotography field. It has a hard learning curve, especially for beginners but has a large and active user community, which means you can find plenty of tutorials, resources, and support online to help you learn how to use the software effectively. It is still the king in astrophotography post-processing. The plethora of tools and scripts available is astonishing:
Calibration, Image Registration, Stacking, Drizzle Integration, Image Integration, Image Processing Algorithms, Masking, Dynamic Background Extraction, Noise Reduction, Image Statistics, Star Detection, SubframeSelector, CosmeticCorrection, PixelMath, ImageCropper, Resample, Convolution, Deconvolution, MultiscaleLinearTransform, HDRComposition, PhotometricColorCalibration, BackgroundNeutralization, ColorCalibration, ImageLinearFit, ImageSolver, LocalNormalization, LRGBComposition, MureDenoise, PixelRejection, WeightedBatchPreprocessing, BatchProcessing, Scripting, and Integration with other software.
Pixinsight
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Paid
AstroPixelProcessor (APP) is the new kid on the block of image processing. It is a powerful and user-friendly tool that allows you to calibrate, align, and stack your astrophotography images in a few simple steps through a modern and intuitive user interface, with a wide range of tools and settings that are easy to understand and use. Under the hood you can find these features:
Calibration, Image Registration, Stacking, Drizzle Integration, Image Quality Assessment, Image Stretching, Image Cropping, Image Normalization, Image Resampling, Comet Alignment, Batch Processing, FITS Conversion, Star Detection, Light Pollution Correction, Gradient Removal, Masking, Noise Reduction, Local Normalization, Wavelet Transform, Star Masking, Automatic Background Calibration, Gradient Correction with Splines, DeBayering for RAW images, Support for various file formats including RAW, FITS, and DSLR, Multi-channel Processing, Support for batch processing of multiple images, Real-Time Preview, and Integration.
Astro Pixel Processor
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Free
Siril is a free, open-source software designed specifically for astrophotography enthusiasts. It provides a powerful suite of tools for processing and enhancing astronomical images, allowing users to create stunning images of galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial objects. You may be surprised by the results you will get if you give it a try.
Image processing, Background removal, Drizzle, Stacking Alignment, De-rotation, Gradient removal, Flat-field correction, Noise reduction, Color calibration, Batch processing, Comet processing, Panorama creation, Image Stretching, bias, dark and flat calibration, Time-lapse processing, Multi-channel processing and more.
Siril
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Paid
With StarTools, you can process and enhance your images of the night sky, bringing out hidden details and removing unwanted artifacts like light pollution. It has a ton of features, from noise reduction to lens distortion correction, and even has real-time processing so you can see the effects of your changes immediately. If you're into astrophotography, you should definitely check it out! Available modules:
Auto Develop,Crop, Debayer, Develop, Wipe, Decon, Sharp, Contrast, HDR, Color, Star Removal, Life, Diffraction Spike, Deconvolution, Star Mask, Comet, Cosmetic Correction, calibration, Mure Denoise, Wavelet Denoise, StarmusX, Lens Distortion Correction, ABE
Star Tools
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Paid
Adobe Photoshop doesn’t need an introduction. The powerful program is used by many photographers for nightscapes and deep space astrophotography processing. Lately, in Photoshop’s arsenal have been added a lot of third-party plugins for astrophotography that make the processing even more user-friendly. Even without them, the features of the program are good enough:
Layers: Layers in Photoshop can be used to combine photos and create a composite image that highlights different elements of the scene.
Adjustment layers: These allow users to adjust the color, brightness, and contrast of an image without making permanent changes to the original photograph. This is particularly useful for astrophotography, where the night sky can have a variety of different colors and lighting conditions.
Noise reduction: Photoshop includes a range of noise reduction tools that can help to clean up these images and reduce the appearance of noise.
Image stacking: Photoshop includes tools for aligning and stacking images, making it an excellent tool for astrophotography.
Lens correction: Different lenses can introduce various types of distortion, such as barrel distortion or chromatic aberration, which can be particularly noticeable in astrophotography. Photoshop includes tools for correcting these types of distortions, allowing for more accurate and realistic images of the night sky.
PS
(MacOs)
Paid
This is the best software for stacking landscape astrophotography images! Period. Features:
Image Stacking: Starry Landscape Stacker uses advanced algorithms to stack multiple images of the night sky, aligning the stars and reducing noise to create a single, high-quality photograph.
Advanced Blending Options: The software provides a variety of blending options, including lighten, darken, and median, that allow for even greater control over the final image.
Star Detection: Starry Landscape Stacker includes a powerful star detection algorithm that can identify stars in each image, making it easier to stack and align them.
Noise Reduction: The software includes advanced noise reduction tools that can remove both luminance and color noise from the final image.
Advanced Image Alignment: Starry Landscape Stacker uses advanced algorithms to align images, even if they were taken on a slightly different angle or with different settings.
Image Cropping: The software allows for easy cropping of the final image, ensuring that the final product looks exactly as desired.
Batch Processing: With the batch processing feature, users can easily stack multiple sets of images in one go, saving time and effort.
RAW File Support: Starry Landscape Stacker supports RAW files from all major camera brands, ensuring maximum quality and flexibility.
Easy-to-Use Interface: The software has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that allows even beginners to create stunning astrophotographs.
Starry Landscape Stacker
(Photoshop Plugin)
Paid
AstroPanel is a plugin for Adobe Photoshop that is designed to help astrophotographers edit their images. It offers a range of advanced tools and features specifically tailored for processing astronomical images, including:
Sky stacking, False Flat, Noise Reduction, MilkyWay, Star Trails
One-click processing: AstroPanel X offers a range of one-click processing tools for common tasks, such as removing light pollution, reducing noise, and enhancing details.
Astro-specific presets: The plugin comes with a range of presets specifically designed for astronomical image processing, including presets for different types of objects (galaxies, nebulae, etc.) and different levels of light pollution.
Advanced deconvolution: AstroPanel X includes an advanced deconvolution tool that uses a new algorithm called LARA (Local Adaptive Restoration Algorithm) for improved detail and sharpness.
Advanced color calibration: The plugin includes a new color calibration tool that allows users to calibrate the color of their images using data from reference stars.
Local histogram equalization: AstroPanel X includes a new local histogram equalization tool that allows users to enhance the contrast of specific areas of the image.
Advanced masking tools: The plugin includes a range of advanced masking tools, including a brush tool, a range mask tool, and a luminance mask tool for precise control over edits.
Astro Panel
(Windows)
Free
Sequator is a nifty little tool that can help you with your astrophotography needs. It's a free software that can be used to align and stack images of the night sky, removing any noise and improving the overall quality of your images. The freeze foreground tool is especially good for landscape astrophotography. Here are some of the features you can expect from Sequator:
Easy-to-use interface: It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use for beginners and experts alike.
Automated alignment: Sequator can automatically align your images, reducing any distortion or blurring caused by camera shake or movement.
Noise reduction: This can remove noise from your images, resulting in clearer and sharper photos.
Stacking images: Can stack multiple images to create a single image with better overall quality.
Support for RAW files: Sequator supports RAW files, which means you can work with high-quality, uncompressed images.
Batch processing: Sequator allows you to process multiple images at once, saving you time and effort.
Sequator
(Windows, MacOS)
Free
StarStax is a small but well-made software for creating time-lapse images and star trail images from a series of photographs. The main features of the program are:
Blending/stacking modes: Lighten, Darken, Average, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Interactive gap filling mode, Comet mode, Cumulative mode, Averaging and subtraction of dark frames to remove hot pixels and noise.
StarStax
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Free
Starnet++ is a small but powerful software, created by amateur astrophotographer Mikita (Nikita) Misiura who changed forever the way of post-processing deep sky images. The mighty program removes the stars while retaining the underlying structure and details of the image. Starnet++ can easily add as a plugin in various programs as Adobe Photoshop, Pixinsight, Siril, etc. but there is also a stand-alone version.
Starnet++
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Paid
Russell Croman, an amateur astrophotographer, created a variety of plugins for astrophotography designed to work with popular image processing software like Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo, as well as specialized software like PixInsight. The plugins automate and simplify some of the most complex tasks involved in astrophotography.
BlurXTerminator is a powerful deconvolution tool that uses artificial intelligence to sharpen and enhance astronomical images. It recovers as much detail as possible based on low-contrast information actually present in an image, without fabricating detail that does not in fact exist.
NoiseXTerminator is a fast and easy-to-use AI-powered noise reduction tool specifically for astrophotography. It can perform natural detail enhancement without boosting noise or inventing nonexistent structures.
StarXTerminator is a tool to remove stars from astronomical images that work in Photoshop and PixInsight. This allows separate processing of stars and background objects.
GradientXTerminator is a gradient removal plug-in for Photoshop and Affinity Photo that is fast and easy to use. It can process 16-bit or 8-bit images, grayscale, or RGB color. It easily removes light pollution, vignetting, and circular gradients.
StarShrink is a plugin made for Photoshop that shrinks fuzzy, bloated stars.
StarXTerminator
(Photoshop Plugin)
Paid
ProDigital Software created a collection of actions for Adobe Photoshop regarding astrophotography.
Astronomy Tools Actions Set: Carboni's actions, a popular, easy-to-use set of tools for Adobe Photoshop® designed for use by astrophotographers in all parts of image processing.
AstroFlat Pro: A powerful, fast luminance flattening plug-in that removes light pollution and eliminates the sky glow gradients and hot spots in images.
(Photoshop Plugin)
PAID
Annie's Astro Actions is a set of Photoshop actions designed specifically for astrophotography created by amateur astrophotographer Annie Morris. These actions automate a series of adjustments and enhancements to help bring out the best in your astrophotography images. Some of the Annies Astro Actions are:
Channel Process, LRGB Combine, RGB Combine, Hubble Palette Creation, Ha-OIII BiColor Process, HaRGB, Simple Stretching, Enhance Dust Lanes, Dynamic Enhance, Reduce Star Bloating, Reduce Star Size, Remove Stars, Star Layer Separate, Reduce Vignetting and Gradient Removal
(Photoshop Plugin)
Paid
Another great action set by amateur astrophotographer Ken Mitchell. Photokemi Star Tools can:
Autostretch, Equalize Crop, Levels Stretch, Level Stretch luminosity mask, Star Select, Star Select Smoothed Edges,Big Star Select, Big Star Select Smoothed Edges,Reduce background noise, Sharpen stars, Sharpen background and nebula, Star Reduction, Enhance Star Color,Screen Mask, InvertNebula Filter, Nebula Filter Strong, Space Dust 1/2, Space Contrast Core Blend, Color Boost, Color Correction and more.
Planetary Software
Planetary imaging is one of the most satisfying aspects of astrophotography mainly because you get to practise so often. Light Pollution? No problem! Full moon? No problem! But also needs a lot of patience and persistence, as it can take time and practice to capture the best possible images. Large focal length telescopes, good and fast cameras and also the most powerfull laptop available are essential parts of Planetary imaging. Here is the best software for imaging planets and post processing your hard earned photons.
(Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Free
Firecapture is the best software used by planetary imagers. It is a free and open-source software that offers a range of features for capturing and processing planetary images. Some of its features are:
Real-time image stacking and processing with live histogram and waveform displays for adjusting camera settings on the fly.
Autoguiding support for improved tracking and stability during image capture.
Advanced image processing tools such as wavelet sharpening and de-rotation.
Support for video file formats such as AVI, SER, and FITS.
Control of camera settings such as exposure time, gain, and frame rate.
Ability to save and load camera settings profiles for different observing conditions.
Advanced image acquisition features such as region of interest selection, flat-field correction, and image flipping and rotation.
Integration with the popular planetary image processing software AutoStakkert! for stacking and alignment.
Integration with the free and open-source image processing software GIMP for post-processing.
Real-time display of important image metrics such as frame rate, exposure time, and gain.
Ability to save image sequences as individual frames or video files for later processing.
Firecapture
(Windows)
Free & Paid Version
SharpCap is another popular software program used by astronomers for planetary and deep-sky imaging. Like FireCapture, SharpCap offers a range of features for capturing and processing high-quality astronomical images. Some of the key features of SharpCap include:
Support for a wide range of cameras and telescopes, including DSLRs, CCDs, and planetary cameras such as the ZWO ASI series.
Real-time image stacking and processing with live histogram and waveform displays for adjusting camera settings on the fly.
Autoguiding support for improved tracking and stability during image capture.
Advanced image processing tools such as wavelet sharpening and de-rotation.
Support for video file formats such as AVI, SER, and FITS.
Control of camera settings such as exposure time, gain, and frame rate.
Advanced image acquisition features such as region of interest selection, flat-field correction, and image flipping and rotation.
Integration with the popular planetary image processing software AutoStakkert! for stacking and alignment.
Integration with the free and open-source image processing software GIMP for post-processing.
Real-time display of important image metrics such as frame rate, exposure time, and gain.
Ability to save image sequences as individual frames or video files for later processing.
Support for scripting and automation of image capture and processing tasks.
SharpCap
(Windows)
Free
WinJUPOS is another popular software program used by planetary imagers, primarily for processing and analyzing planetary images. The software has the best de-rotation mode till today but other features are also available:
Ability to process and analyze planetary images.
Support for a range of image formats, including AVI, BMP, and FITS.
Advanced image processing tools such as wavelet sharpening, histogram stretching, and image normalization.
Ability to align and stack multiple images of a planet to create a high-quality final image.
Support for custom calibration of telescopes and cameras for improved accuracy.
Calculation of various planetary parameters such as longitude, latitude, and rotation period.
Creation of maps of planetary features and tracking of their movements over time.
Ability to analyze and visualize planetary images in both polar and rectangular coordinates.
Calculation of angular sizes and distances of planetary features.
Support for scripting and automation of image processing tasks.
Integration with other planetary imaging software such as Registax and AutoStakkert! for further image processing.
Real-time display of important image metrics such as frame rate, exposure time, and gain.
WinJUPOS
(Windows)
Free
Registax is a popular image processing software for planetary and lunar imaging. It is designed to align and stack multiple images of celestial objects, such as the Moon, planets, and the Sun, to create a high-quality final image with improved detail, contrast, and sharpness. Registax offers a wide range of features and tools for image processing, including:
Alignment: The software aligns multiple images by analyzing the positions of specific features in each frame, such as craters or other landmarks.
Stacking: Registax stacks the aligned images to improve signal-to-noise ratio and reduce noise.
Wavelet filtering: This feature allows users to enhance fine details and sharpen the image by applying wavelet filters at different scales.
RGB processing: Users can adjust color balance and saturation to create vivid and realistic images.
De-rotation: This feature compensates for the rotation of the planet during the imaging session, resulting in a sharper and more detailed final image.
Comet alignment: Registax can align images of moving objects, such as comets, to create a final image with improved detail.
Post-processing: Users can further enhance the final image by adjusting contrast, brightness, gamma, and other parameters.
Batch processing: Registax can process multiple image sequences in a batch mode, saving time and increasing productivity.
Registax
AutoStakkert! is another popular planetary image processing software, often used in conjunction with Registax. Like Registax, AutoStakkert! aligns and stacks multiple images of a celestial object to produce a final image with improved detail and clarity. Some of the key features of AutoStakkert! include:
Automatic alignment of images using advanced algorithms for the best possible alignment.
Quality-based selection of frames for stacking, discarding frames with poor quality due to atmospheric turbulence, motion blur, or other issues.
Multi-point alignment for combining images taken from different locations.
Drizzle feature to enhance the resolution of the final image by adding more pixels.
Support for stacking of images of comets and other moving objects.
Batch processing of multiple image sequences.
Customizable alignment and stacking parameters.
Automatic frame detection for faster processing.
Manual alignment and stacking options for fine-tuning the final image.
Automatic and manual quality weighting of frames during stacking.
Histogram equalization for improving contrast and brightness.
Sharpening and smoothing filters for enhancing image details.
Support for a wide range of file formats, including BMP, FITS, SER, AVI, and more
AutoStakkert!
