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25 windows astronomy news items found

Automating Astrophotography with PULSAR

PULSAR is a general purpose software system for reduction and processing of astronomical CCD and CMOS imaging data. Each tool performs a single well defined operation on FITS images, and the tools compose into automated pipelines that carry your work from raw frames to calibrated, combined, and enhanced results. No fussing, no clicking through a labyrinth the next morni...

ASCOM Platform 7.1 Update 2 Released

The ASCOM community announces an update to the widely adopted interoperability platform that connects astronomy software with a broad range of observatory devices. ASCOM Platform 7.1 Update 2 expands the platform’s reputation for stability and compatibility, bringing refinements that help imagers, visual observers, and research teams run sessions with greater conf...

OpenAstro AlpacaBridge launches and why it matters

After spending decades in the field setting up mounts in the dark, chasing cables across frozen ground, and trying to make mismatched software talk to hardware it barely understands, I have learned to pay attention when someone tries to solve a real problem instead of adding another layer of noise. AlpacaBridge from OpenAstro is one of those efforts that comes from live...

Scope Nights updates to 2.6 giving stargazers a faster app

Scope Nights version 2.6 introduces a set of improvements intended to make the stargazing planning experience faster, smoother, and more reliable across iPhones and iPads. The update is available at no cost and brings the app into full compatibility with iOS 26 and current Apple mobile hardware. The developer notes that a considerable portion of the internal logic and i...

ASCOM Platform 7.1 released

The ASCOM Platform 7.1 update is another big step forward for backyard astronomers and observatory users alike. It offers smoother performance, wider compatibility with different gear, and better communication between your telescope, camera, and dome. As the platform continues its march toward better support and smarter automation, this release makes it even easier for ...

Astro image processing software update Tria Image Pro 4 released

Quarktet has announced the release of Tria Image Pro Version 4.0, the latest iteration of its image processing and analysis software. Known for its robust set of tools and unique blind deconvolution technology, Tria continues to carve out a niche for both professional and amateur users working with complex image data. The new version builds on a long history of enhancem...

Choosing the right astrophotography camera

Astrophotography once relied entirely on film, a method plagued by low sensitivity, challenging exposures, and highly limited post-processing capabilities. The emergence of CCD sensors marked a massive improvement, offering lower noise and enhanced image quality. However, the introduction of CMOS sensors revolutionized the field even further. CMOS technology has rapidly...

Capturing the Milky Way using the Dwarf 3 Smart telescope

Ah, the Milky Way. That quiet band of light stretching across the summer sky has been there longer than anyone can remember, yet every year it pulls our eyes upward like it is brand new. It is the one thing in the warm night sky that can make a person stop in their tracks, hold up a phone, and try to catch its faint dusting of stars in a photograph. Out here, away from ...

DIY flat panel

Astrophotographers are constantly innovating to improve their imaging workflows, often creating custom tools that rival commercial products at a fraction of the cost. One clever example comes from a maker who modified a standard LED tracing panel to function as an ASCOM Alpaca-compatible flat panel calibrator. The result is a low-cost, smart device that can automate fla...

Telescope Bridge connects scope over wifi and bluetooth

The Telescope Bridge is a compact interface device that allows telescope users to connect their mounts over WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. Designed with simplicity in mind, it supports a wide range of popular telescope brands, including Meade, Celestron, and Skywatcher, and even includes a universal RS232 version for older or more generic telescope systems. Rather than req...

Hopper e-finder push to solution

The Hopper e-finder is a lightweight, high-performance push-to navigation device designed for amateur astronomers looking to maximize efficiency during observing sessions. At just 80 grams, the Hopper attaches directly to your telescope via a standard Synta/Vixen-style finder dovetail and integrates seamlessly with your existing setup. Despite its compact design, Hopper...

Tilt adjustments for astrophotography made easy

Correcting tilt in an astrophotography setup can be one of the most frustrating, error-prone, and time-consuming aspects of imaging with a large sensor. The Wanderer Astro ETA (Electronic Tilt Adjuster) was designed to eliminate this headache entirely. While traditional tilt correction involves a manual cycle of test exposures, screw turns, and disassembly, the ETA prom...

Sky-Watcher HAC125DX Mini astrograph

There’s something about a small telescope that reminds me of a pocketknife in some ways. It may not look like much at first, but if it’s well built and purpose driven, it can surprise you with just how capable it really is. The Sky Watcher HAC125DX Mini astrograph falls into that category. It’s compact enough to carry under one arm and subtle enough no...

Star party planning tips

Attending a star party for the first time can be exhilarating, humbling, and, at times, downright uncomfortable. While the thrill of dark skies and celestial wonders is the main draw, many attendees, especially those new to the experience, quickly realize that poor planning can turn a magical night into a freezing, sleep-deprived ordeal. Fortunately, shared wisdom from ...

Altair 462M2 mono guide astronomy camera

If you’ve spent more than a few nights trying to pull sharp exposures out of a shaky guiding setup, you’ll know it doesn’t take much atmospheric wobble or poor star signal to throw off your whole session. The Altair 462M2 Mono Guide Camera takes a practical approach to solving those kinds of problems. It’s small, easy to integrate into just about...

Rigel Systems usb-nFRAME

When we think about astrophotography, there’s one humble but absolutely crucial piece of gear that rarely gets the spotlight: the camera rotator. Cue dramatic music, maybe a slow zoom in with a single tear rolling down its shiny metal housing... At first glance, rotating a camera may sound simple or even trivial. You might think it is just about turning th...

Nahatlatch Valley Star Party

The upcoming Nahatlatch Valley Star Party in British Columbia is one of the most popular gatherings for amateur astronomers in western Canada. It is a dedicated astronomy event where participants bring their own telescopes and equipment, connect with others who share an interest in astronomy, and spend several nights under exceptionally dark skies. Designed for serious ...

Astrophotography with a 12k lens

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 IS III is an exceptional example of optical engineering, representing the pinnacle of Canon’s super-telephoto prime lens technology. Designed primarily for sports and wildlife photography, this lens combines an ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture with a substantial 400mm focal length, making it not only one of the brightest long-range lenses availab...

Celestron Origin EQ Mode and Autoguiding

The Celestron Origin has quietly held its place as one of the most intriguing all-in-one astrophotography platforms since its debut in 2024. It didn’t crash onto the scene with flashy marketing — it just worked, and worked well. Though not a newcomer anymore, its fusion of fast f/2 optics, onboard computing, and smart automation still sets it apart from...

Planet Stacker X

Planet Stacker X is a macOS application developed by Open Reel Software and distributed via the Rain City Astrophotography website. It is designed for planetary astrophotography, specifically using the method known as Lucky Imaging. This software allows Mac users to process high-speed planetary video footage into sharp, high-resolution images using frame selection, imag...

ZWO latest product releases

ZWO continues to expand its lineup of astrophotography gear with a series of new releases aimed at making imaging more efficient, compact, and user-friendly. From all-in-one wireless cameras to precision motorized rotators and essential adapter rings, these new tools are designed to simplify workflows while delivering high-end performance for both seasoned astrophotogra...

GIOTTO flat field generator

The GIOTTO flat field generator is designed to produce calibration frames for astrophotography by delivering consistent and even illumination across the telescope's aperture. It works with a variety of telescope types and sizes, as long as the selected model provides a panel diameter larger than the external tube diameter of the telescope. This ensures that the enti...

ZWO EAF knockoff Gemini EAF

The Gemini Electronic Auto Focuser, often abbreviated as Gemini EAF, is a cost-effective motorized focuser designed for astronomical telescopes. Aimed at astrophotographers seeking precision without the premium price tag, it delivers key automation features at a fraction of the cost of brand-name focusers. With a compact motor housing, universal bracket, and software co...

Free astrophoto tools you can use

Astrophotography is a fascinating pursuit that captures the beauty and scale of the night sky, but refining these images requires the right software. Many people believe that only expensive, proprietary tools can deliver the detailed, vibrant results they’re looking for. However, a growing number of free programs now allow amateur and intermediate astrophotographe...

Video telescope collimation using an Aline collimation eyepiece

Rigel Systems has introduced an innovative, accessible, and budget-friendly method for achieving precise telescope collimation using everyday devices like an iPhone, Android phone, or iPad combined with their Aline collimation eyepiece. This DIY approach offers live visual collimation capabilities at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems. It enables telescope use...