There are many different types of software for both image acquisition and image processing. I have compiled a detailed list of software in the resources section of this website.
You will use image acquisition software to control your imaging sequence, dithering, guiding, and even plate solve images on your tracking mount.
There are devices like ZWO ASIAIR, StellarMate, and Primaluce Labs EAGLE that allow you to control your equipment remotely versus having to go outside to make adjustments.
Image stacking software handles the important pre-processing stages of your image editing. When you have successfully integrated and calibrated your master file, you can move on to the image processing stage.
Image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop or PixInsight allows you to control every aspect of your image, from star size to color balance and saturation.
I recommend choosing software that you are comfortable with and that fits your budget. If you are a beginner, choose one that has a lot of online resources to help you through the learning process.
A screenshot from DeepSkyStacker while pre-processing an image.
A good weather app can save you a lot of frustration when you’re planning a night under the stars. The best weather apps for astronomy go beyond a basic clear-or-cloudy forecast, helping you check things like cloud cover, seeing, transparency, wind, humidity, and even smoke before you drag all your gear outside. If you spend…
Last updated: Mar 12, 2026. I’ve put together my trusted list of the best astronomy apps for stargazing on your phone or tablet. These are the same stargazing and planning apps (plus a few other key astronomy resources) that I personally rely on at the telescope for a night of observing or deep-sky astrophotography. Many…
I’ve recently been made aware of the Seti Astro Statistical Stretch standalone tool for astrophotography image processing. This is a simple and free tool you can use as a part of your image processing workflow that I think you will find very handy. Frank is an extremely generous developer and amateur astrophotographer who has released…
AstroBin is an incredible resource for astrophotographers, and I’m still convinced there are a few people who have still not joined the fun. It’s an image-hosting platform and social network for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers that includes groups, forums, and an advanced search. Whether you use the website for file storage, planning your next project,…
In this beginner-friendly image processing tutorial, we will use Adobe Photoshop to take an astrophotography image from its raw state to a finished master file for sharing. The post-processing stage of astrophotography is an exciting experience because it is when you finally get to enjoy the deep-sky object you have captured, up-close. This is a…
Last updated: March 3, 2026. If you find this helpful and buy through my links, I may receive a small commission. What Is the ZWO ASIAIR? The ZWO ASIAIR is a compact WiFi-enabled astrophotography controller that lets you run your entire telescope setup from a smartphone or tablet. It connects to compatible ZWO cameras, mounts,…
The goal of Topaz Labs DeNoise AI is to reduce digital image noise while preserving detail and increasing image sharpness. If you’re no stranger to astrophotography image processing, that almost sounds too good to be true. I was skeptical of the application myself but now find myself using it in some capacity for every astrophoto…