Astronomy
Software
PixInsight
Probably one of the best dedicated programs for processing astrophotographs. The program was developed by the Astrophysics Department of the University of Spain and is specially adapted for working on high resolution astrophotos. The program is a little difficult to use at first, but has a lot ot tutorials on the web. I was one of the first using it and am part of the austrian PI Workgroup.
Although not cheap, the program is constanly being improved and updated and these updates are then free.
SkySafari
Probably one of the best Apps available. I have used the plus and pro version 3 and currently use the Version 4 Pro. A terrific program - super graphis, fast, an enormous database ( eg over 27 million stars down to Mag 18 ), runs fast on iPad and iPhone. For a review see my page Astro Devices Nexus and Southern Stars Sky Safari Plus App
Maxim DL
Probably one of the best dedicated astronomy control programs. It can control basically everything possible. I use it to program and control the main camera and the guide camera plus the filter wheels. It automatically saves all the files on the computer and when finished can be used to do basic image processing and alignment. The program also controls guiding during the session. It can also control the focuser, a process which I am currently investigating.
PS CS6
A standard program, for astrophotographs used for the final finishes to photos in 16 bit TIFF format.
I also use LightRoom LR5.4 - this has some nice Presets for general Astro Landscape photos
CduC
This program (freeware) is a planetarium and has a very extensive database. It can also be linked to the mount and used to control it, which is sometimes useful.
EQAlign
A freeware program which has a number of functions, the main one which I use is to very accurately align the axis of the mount to the polar axis, which is important for accurate photography.
CCD Guide
Produced by the AAS - Astronomie Arbeitskreis Salzkamergut, of which I am now a member. For a tool provided by amateurs, really astounding. It has a very large database of objects and the aim of the project is to photograph all the objects listed, many of which are not well know, but none the less interesting. As of 2014 I use this software and am trying to capture some of these lesser known objects, which will then be used in future versions.
SkyToolsPro
This is a very complex planning program which has an enormous database. I have been using it for some time now and am still learning. I also use a program called Astromist on my palm / ipod – this is a very powerful planetarium program and is very useful in the field to check positions and such. Programs such as these are of great use in planning what to view or photgraph – they not only show the size and position of objects but also there true visibility due to the effects of moonlight. Also, for people such as myself who do not have a great knowledge of the constellations, they are great in helping to locate stars for calibration of equipment.
Astromist
Whilst putting together this website, I obvious had to decide what things to include on it. Now despite the fact that this planetarium program is relatively small and inexpensive, it really does warrant mentioning. I somehow stumbled upon it in my early days as an astronomer and purchased it to run on my Palm T3. There are also versions for Windows CE and iPod ( which I also purchased, as I am nearly always wired for sound whilst stargazing ). I really cannot do this program justice here, it really can do everything
Astroraster
This program (freeware) produces various grids which can be placed over photos on screen. It is possible to change various properties such as opacity, colour, line thickness and form.
On the internet there are thousands of tutorials and the like pertaining to astrophotography. I have found that the following DVDs offer very good advice and are well worth looking at, both to learn the basics and as a reference.
Jerry Lodriguss
Adam Block : Make every pixel count
Don Waid
Zone System - hard to get hold of
