The following programs offer a comprehensive solution for astrophotography, allowing you to control your equipment, automate imaging sessions, autoguide, autofocus, and more, all within a single integrated package. By mastering one of these programs, you can easily set up your equipment, program your session, and let the software take care of the rest


N.I.N.A (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy
Open-source, runs on Windows


APT (Astro Photography Tool)
Runs on Windows.


Sequence Generator Pro
Runs on Windows.


KStars/Ekos
Open-source, runs on Mac, Linux, and Mac. Ekos can be used for automation of equipment while KStars serves as a desktop planetarium that offers an interface for Ekos among other things. Both programs work hand-in-hand.


CCDciel
Open-source, runs on Linux, macOS, or Windows


Prism
Runs on Windows (works on Mac and Linux through Windows PC virtual machines)


Astroart
Runs on Windows


Voyager
Runs on Windows


TheSky Professional
Runs on Windows, Mac, or a Linux version can be found here.


MaxIm DL
Runs on Windows



..::INTEGRATED ASTRO/REMOTE DEVICES::..

I have to mention the option of using devices like ASIAIR, StellarMate, or Raspberry Pi to run your imaging sessions and control your equipment. While we have not personally used these products, there is a wealth of information available online. Alternatively, we have found success by purchasing a mini PC and installing N.I.N.A and supporting software on it.

While the integrated astro-imaging software listed above can do it all, sometimes you just need a program to focus on one task: capturing images. That’s where this section comes in! These programs are dedicated to controlling your camera, whether you’re using a astro-dedicated camera, a DSLR, or want to capture stunning lunar and planetary images. Check them out below!


SharpCap
Runs on Windows and is suitable for deep sky, planetary, lunar, and solar.


AstroDMx Capture
Open-source capture application for planetary, lunar, solar, and deep space imaging. AstroDMx Capture runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and ChromeOS (under the Crostini virtual environment).


AllSkEye
A 24/7 autonomous camera control application that is designed for all-sky imaging and includes a detection algorithm to identify possible meteor trails. The software runs on Windows.


ASIStudio
Capture program for ZWO cameras, runs on Windows and Mac


EZCAP
Capture software designed for QHY cameras, runs on Windows



..::DSLR SPECIFIC::..

digiCamControl
Open-source software that runs on Windows. digiCamControl can run multiple cameras and has a “astronomy module” that can automate repeating tasks.


qDslrDashboard
Controls Sony, Canon, and Nikon camera, runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux


BackyardEOS
Controls Canon EOS DSLR cameras and was built for astrophotography, runs on Windows


BackyardNikon
Controls Nikon DSLR cameras and was built for astrophotography, runs on Windows


CaptureGRID
Used to control multiple cameras and creating timelapse videos. CaptureGRID runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac.


Canon EOS Utility
For Canon EOS DSLR cameras, runs on Windows, Linux and Mac


Nikon Camera Control Pro 2
Software is used to control Nikon DSLR cameras and runs on Mac and Windows



..::PLANETARY/LUNAR IMAGE ACQUISITION::..

SharpCap
Runs on Windows and is suitable for deep sky, planetary, lunar, and solar.


Fire Capture (not secure)
Software for capturing and processing planetary, lunar, and solar images. Fire Capture runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.


AstroDMx Capture
Open-source capture application for planetary, lunar, solar, and deep space imaging. AstroDMx Capture runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and ChromeOS (under the Crostini virtual environment).

Processing is an essential part of astrophotography, and having the right software can make all the difference. Whether you’re processing deep space images, planetary and lunar shots, or stacking exposures, our list below has something for everyone. With a mix of both free and paid software options, from complex to more user-friendly interfaces, you’re sure to find a program that meets your needs.


PixInsight
PixInsight is a powerful image processing software designed for astrophotography. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


GIMP
Open-source image editing software with various features for astrophotography and ability for 3rd party plugins. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


SiriL
Open-source image processing software specifically designed for astrophotography. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


Astro Pixel Processor
A comprehensive astro image processing software with numerous features available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


Adobe Photoshop
Photo editing software with various features for astrophotography that runs on Windows and Mac.


StarTools
A unique image processing software that offers a flexible and intuitive approach to astrophotography. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.


Affinity Photo
A photo editing software with advanced features that is available on Windows and Mac.


MaxIM DL IP/Pro
A comprehensive image processing and camera & equipment control software with advanced features for astrophotography. Software is available on Windows.


Astroart
A comprehensive image processing software and camera control software specifically designed for astrophotography. It runs on Windows.


Adobe Lightroom CC
A cloud-based image editing and organizing software with advanced features. It is available on Windows and Mac.


Snapseed
A photo editing app with basic features available on Android and iOS. We find it’s best for just some light touch up.



..::IMAGE PROCESSING (PLANETARY/LUNAR/SOLAR)::..

PIPP (Planetary Imaging PreProcessor)
A planetary/lunar image pre-processing tool that supports a wide variety of cameras and file formats. Runs on Windows and Linux.


Autostakkert!
A planetary and lunar image processing tool that allows for stacking and processing of images. Runs on Windows.


Lynkeos
Image stacking and processing software for Mac OS X that can be used for planetary and lunar imaging.


Registax
Software tool for stacking, aligning, and processing planetary and lunar images. Runs on Windows.


ImPPG
An open-source planetary and lunar image processing software for Windows that can align and stack videos, as well as perform wavelet and deconvolution processing.


LuckyStackWorker
A lucky imaging software that allows for stacking and processing of planetary and lunar images. Runs on Windows.


Astroart
Image processing software for Windows that can be used for planetary, lunar, and deep-sky imaging.


Winjupos (not secure)
A planetary image processing tool that allows for stacking and processing of images taken over a period of time. Runs on Windows.



..::STACKING SOFTWARE::..

DeepSkyStacker
Open-source software for stacking and processing deep sky astrophotography images. Runs on Windows.


Sequator
A user friendly software for stacking and processing astrophotography images. Runs on Windows.


Starry Landscape Stacker
A Mac OS X application for stacking landscape astrophotography images.


Starry Sky Stacker
A Mac OS X application for stacking deep space astrophotography images.


OpenLiveStacker
An open-source software for stacking astrophotography images that runs on Windows.


PixInsight
Processing software designed for astrophotography and has advanced stacking tools. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


Astro Pixel Processor
A comprehensive astro image processing software with numerous features to include stacking. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


SiriL
An open-source image processing software specifically designed for astrophotography with stacking capabilities. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


Astroart
A comprehensive image processing software specifically designed for astrophotography with stacking tools. Runs on Windows.

As a family of amateur astronomers, we remember the excitement of first spotting a small light passing overhead and realizing it was a satellite using a sky map app on our phone. This experience inspired us to explore more, leading us to download planetarium programs like Stellarium on our computer. With these tools, we could plan our next imaging sessions, learn about the night sky, and control our telescope with ease. Below is a huge list of planetariums, sky maps, and atlases that we hope will inspire others to look up and discover the wonders of the universe.


Stellarium
An open-source planetarium software that runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and has a web version. Stellarium offers a user-friendly interface and allows users to view stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial objects from any location and time on Earth. Stellarium also includes features such as a built-in catalog of stars and deep-sky objects, the ability to simulate eclipses and meteor showers, and telescope control.


Stellarium Mobile
The mobile version of the Stellarium planetarium software, available on both iOS and Android


KStars
An open-source desktop planetarium software that offers an interface for Ekos for equipment automation. It offers a user-friendly interface and includes a catalog of over 100 million stars, planets, asteroids, and comets. Available on Linux, Windows, and Mac.


Aladin
An interactive sky atlas that allows you to visualize digital astronomical images, superimpose entries from astronomical catalogues, and more. Aladin is open-source, runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and has a web version.


HNSKY
Astronomy software designed to provide users with a powerful tool for exploring and observing the night sky. The software allows users to navigate the sky, locate celestial objects, and view detailed information about stars, planets, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena. Runs on Windows and Linux.


OpenSpace
An open-source interactive data visualization software that allows you to explore the universe, spacecraft, and space missions. Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


Gaia Sky
A real-time, 3D astronomy visualization software using data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, that allows you to explore the universe and celestial bodies. Gaia Sky is open-source, runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


Cartes du Ciel
An open-source planetarium software that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a catalog of over one million celestial objects, including stars, galaxies, and nebulae. You can control telescopes with the software and create custom observing lists. You can also simulate the night sky at different dates/times and display the positions of satellites and comets with ease.


Night Sky
A mobile app for iOS that offers a detailed view of the night sky, constellation maps, and more. The app allows users to point their device at the sky and view a real-time, 360-degree view of the stars above them. Night Sky has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it a great tool for beginners and experienced stargazers alike.


SkySafari
A planetarium app that provides a database of celestial objects, simulations of the night sky, and telescope control. It features a detailed and accurate star atlas with over 100 million stars, as well as planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and more. Available on both iOS and Android.


WinStars
A planetarium software for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Raspberry Pi that provides a detailed view of the sky and celestial objects. It offers a 3D simulation of the night sky, complete with a catalog of more than 2.5 million stars and 30,000 deep sky objects. It provides detailed information about each object, including its name, type, magnitude, and distance.


Sky Guide
A mobile app for iOS that provides a detailed view of the sky and celestial objects. The app uses the user’s location to provide a real-time, augmented reality view of the night sky, displaying constellations, stars, planets, and other celestial objects. Sky Guide also provides information on upcoming celestial events, such as meteor showers and eclipses.


Starry Night
A planetarium software for Windows and Mac. With its realistic and interactive 3D simulation, users can navigate through space and view celestial objects such as stars, planets, moons, galaxies, and nebulae. The software offers a vast database of over one million stars and provides detailed information about each object, including its properties, coordinates, and visibility.


SpaceEngine
A 3D universe simulator that allows users to explore the universe. It features a database full of celestial objects such as planets, asteroids, galaixies, stars, and more that you can travel to and land on. Users can also create their own star systems, planets, and galaxies. SpaceEngine runs on Windows.


Star Walk 2
A mobile app for Android and iOS that provides a detailed view of the sky and celestial objects. It uses the device’s GPS and accelerometer to create an accurate real-time map of the night sky, with over 200,000 stars, constellations, planets, and satellites identified and labeled.


Solar System Scope
A web-based 3D solar system simulator that allows users to explore and interact with the planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects. Solar System Scope is also available for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.


NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System
A solar system simulator that allows you to explore our solar system and the spacecraft that explore it in 3D. You can simulate spacecraft missions, track asteroids, and learn more about the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in our solar system. Available on Windows and Mac.


NASA WorldWind
Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. NASA WorldWind is a virtual globe software that allows users to explore the Earth and other planets in 3D.


AAS WorldWide Telescope
An open-source program that lets you explore the universe in 3D and view high-quality images from various sources, including the Hubble Space Telescope. You can also watch guided tours and visualizations of the universe and access a wide range of astronomical data and resources. Runs on Windows and has a web version.


Our Galaxy
A desktop and mobile app that provides a detailed view of the Milky Way and its objects. Available on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and a web version as well.


Constellation Map Mobile
A mobile app that helps users identify and explore constellations in the night sky. The app uses the device’s GPS and compass to accurately display the sky above the user, and includes a database of over 100,000 stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. The app also includes information and mythology about the constellations, making it a great educational tool for astronomy enthusiasts of all levels. Available on iOS and Android.



..::MOON CALENDARS & ATLASES::..

Virtual Moon Atlas
A comprehensive software for moon observation and analysis, with a large database of lunar features, dynamic rendering of the moon’s position and phase, and interactive maps. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


The Moon: Calendar Moon Phases
An iOS app that displays the current phase of the moon, as well as the lunar calendar and upcoming moon phases. The app also provides additional information such as the distance of the moon from the Earth, the age of the moon, and the times for moonrise and moonset.


My Moon Phase
An app that displays the current phase of the moon, as well as sunrise and sunset times, moonrise and moonset times, and the lunar calendar. Runs on iOS and Android.


Daff Moon Phase
An app for Android that shows the current phase of the moon, as well as the lunar calendar and moonrise/moonset times. The app also includes information on lunar eclipses and a calendar view of the moon phases for any given month.

For astrophotographers, clear skies are crucial, and the weather can make or break a session. While a standard weather app can give you a general idea of the forecast, the following apps offer more detailed information tailored for astronomy. They provide insights on seeing conditions, aurora and meteor activity, transparency, and more. We recommend checking multiple apps to get a comprehensive view of the weather conditions, as they can be unpredictable at times.


iCSC: Clear Sky Chart Viewer
A mobile app for iOS that provides an easy-to-read display of the Clear Sky Chart, a forecast of astronomical observing conditions for a specific location (currently limited to North American). iCSC provides information on cloud cover, seeing, transparency, and darkness.


Good To Stargaze
An online resource that provides worldwide astronomical observing conditions and forecast information including visibility, wind, seeing, transparency, light pollution, lunar phase, and more. Good To Stargaze is also available on iOS and Android.


Astrospheric
A website that provides real-time weather conditions relevant to astrophotographers and star gazers (currently limited to US and Canada). It offers a range of data, including temperature, humidity readings, wind speed, and moon phase, as well as conditions relevant to astrophotographers such as seeing, transparency, and cloud cover. Astrospheric is also available on Android and iOS.


Xasteria
A mobile app for iOS that is designed for astronomers and astrophotographers worldwide. It provides a detailed forecast of astronomical conditions, including cloud cover, transparency, seeing, and darkness for yours or any location.


Meteoblue Weather & Maps
A website that provides worldwide weather forecasts, radar maps, and satellite images for any specific location. The app is especially useful for astronomers and astrophotographers, as it provides information on cloud cover, visibility, and other factors that can affect stargazing and astrophotography. iOS and Android versions are also available.



..::METEOR ACTIVITY::..

MeteorActive
An iOS app that provides real-time data on meteor showers, such as peak times, meteor rates, and viewing conditions.



..::AURORA FORECASTS::..

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts
An iOS and Android app that provides real-time information on aurora activity and intensity. The app uses real-time data from NOAA and NASA to show users accurate aurora forecasts and alerts.


Aurora Forecast & Alerts
An app for iOS that provides an interactive aurora forecast map. Additionally, it has educational resources and push notifications when aurora visibility atmospheric conditions are predicted to be favorable.


SpaceWeatherLive
A website that provides up-to-date information on space weather events, such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and aurora sightings. With the iOS or Android app, you can set push notifications for significant space weather events.

To capture a breathtaking image of the International Space Station (ISS) passing in front of the moon or sun, you need to plan your shot with precision. Luckily, there are several apps that can help. The apps listed below are specifically designed to identify satellites, Starlink trains, and ISS passes. While some of the software listed in our planetariums, sky maps, and atlas section have the ability to track satellites, these apps may provide more specialized satellite-related information.


Satellite Tracker by Star Walk
A mobile app for iOS and Android that helps users track satellite movements in real-time. The app provides a list of visible satellites and their trajectory over the user’s location, along with information about each satellite.


ISS Live Now
An app that lets users watch the International Space Station (ISS) orbit the Earth in real-time. The app provides a live video feed from the ISS, along with information about the current position of the spacecraft. ISS Live Now is available on iOS and Android.


SkyTrack
SkyTrack is a software program that allows users to track and observe satellite movements using a desktop computer. The program offers real-time satellite tracking, predictions for visible satellites, and the ability to control a telescope to follow satellite movements.

Sometimes there are software and apps that don’t fit neatly into a specific category, or there aren’t enough options to create a dedicated section. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth checking out! Here are some miscellaneous tools that we think are worth mentioning.


PhotoPills
A photography planning and tracking app for iOS and Android devices that offers a range of tools for calculating sun, moon and star positions, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, and exposure settings. It also includes an augmented reality view to help you visualize the positioning of the sun, moon, and Milky Way.


UFOCapture
A Windows-based software for capturing and analyzing video footage of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It allows users to capture and analyze footage in real-time, and provides a range of tools for enhancing and analyzing footage, such as adjusting brightness and contrast levels, and measuring angular size and distance. This program helps identify sprites, fireballs, meteors, blue jets, etc.


Polar Scope Align
An iOS app that helps users align their polar scope with their telescope mount. It includes a range of features for calculating polar alignment, such as a time zone database, an elevation database, and a star atlas. The app also provides a detailed guide on how to perform the alignment process.

Image Compressor
Free JPEG and PNG compressor without losing quality



..::GUIDING AND TRACKING::..

PHD2
PHD2 stands for “Push Here Dummy” and is a guiding software primarily used in astrophotography for accurate tracking of celestial objects. It is open-source, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and supports a variety of mounts and cameras. The software uses advanced algorithms to analyze and correct any guiding errors in real-time, resulting in sharp and detailed images. Additionally, PHD2’s automation interfaces for 3rd party imaging apps.


MetaGuide
MetaGuide is a guiding software used in astrophotography for precise tracking of celestial objects. It is available for Windows and supports a variety of mounts and cameras. The software uses advanced algorithms to analyze and correct any guiding errors in real-time, resulting in sharp and detailed images. It also features a “Drift Method” guiding mode that can guide the mount without the need for a guide star, making it particularly useful in challenging imaging conditions.



..::SIMULATORS::..

SpaceEngine
A 3D space simulation software that allows users to explore the universe in a virtual environment and “travel star to star, from galaxy to galaxy.” It includes a massive catalog of objects such as stars, planets, moons, galaxies, and nebulae, and enables users to travel through space and time, create custom tours, and discover new worlds.


Reentry
A space simulator and exploration game that allows users to experience what it’s like to pilot a spacecraft. The game features realistic physics, detailed 3D graphics of planets, stars, and other space objects, and a variety of spacecraft that players can pilot. The goal of the game is to complete missions, explore the universe, and build and upgrade spacecraft. Reentry is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.


Universe Sandbox
Universe Sandbox is a physics-based simulation game that lets users create and explore virtual universes with realistic gravity, temperature, and atmospheric conditions. It allows users to experiment with various astrophysical phenomena such as planetary collisions, black holes, supernovae, and more, and see how they would affect the universe. The program offers an educational component that explains the underlying scientific concepts and theories. “Create, destroy, and interact on a scale you’ve never before imagined”.