9/6/2023 0 Comments Virtual moon atlas macSoftware such as Images Plus or Maxim DL can automate this process. This can be done manually, but it is very tedious.įor example, faint deep-sky objects may require several hours worth of 5 minute sub-exposures that are later stacked or combined in subsequent image processing. These are used in conjunction with assisted focus software such as that found in Maxim DL or by separate programs like FocusMax.ĭeep Sky Astrophotography requires a number of shorter sub-exposures for each of the LRGB filters. However the most effective method of focusing particularly suited to ACCDs requires the use of auto focuser hardware such as RoboFocus or Optec TCF-S focuser which are attached to the telescope. This can be done by manual focusing and visual inspection of the Live-view image on the computer, or by autofocus if the camera is shooting through an autofocus lens.įor previous generation cameras without Live-View, an image has to be downloaded to the computer and then visually examined for focus accuracy. The latest generation DSLR cameras allow focusing through the camera manufacturer's software. Craterlet and K3CCD Tools.Ī number of software programs exist which can be used to assist in the focusing of astronomical objects in an ACCD or DSLR. There are also a number of software packages which are particularly suited to webcams, e.g. Maxim DL can also handle other tasks such as focusing, guiding, image acquisition, image calibration and image processing. Several of best the Camera Control Software, e.g. If your ACCD is fitted with a Filter wheel then this software will also control the changing of filters in an LRGB sequence of exposures. With camera control software, you can use your computer to control all of the functions and settings of your ACCD or DSLR, such as setting the exposure length and opening the shutter. The following is a list of the most commonly used types of astrophotography specific software:įor long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography, guiding during the exposure can be very useful in producing higher quality images.īy manually or automatically following a star by making corrections in right ascension and declination higher tracking accuracy is obtained.Īuto guiding involves using a separate CCD or Webcam to monitor a stars position and then send corrections to the telescope's mounting to guide or follow the star with high accuracy to compensate for inaccuracies in the mount's tracking.ĬCD cameras and webcams can be also be used as autoguiders, but software, such as GuideDog and PHD, is required to run on a computer that interfaces between the autoguider and mount.Ī number of the better ACCDs such as those manufactured by SBIG have a separate Guide Chip to perform the auto-guiding process in addition to the larger imaging Chip. However all the Windows software can be run on a Mac if you use virtual machine software such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. In addition the majority of Windows software is not Mac Compatible and vice versa. Maxim DL for camera control, image acquisition and image calibration and Photoshop and plugins for image processing. However many astrophotographers use more than one software package to handle their astrophotography workflow process, e.g. This specialist software is additional to that provided by manufacturers of DSLR cameras, which often falls short in providing the necessary functions and facilities required in astrophotography.Ī number of the better software packages often provide capabilities in more than one area and are able to be used by both Astronomical CCDs (ACCD) and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, e.g. There are a number of different types of software that have been developed specifically for Astrophotography, which will be beneficial to both the beginner and expert astrophotographer alike. 'Catchers of the Light' is the Website devoted to Astrophotography and its History
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