Amateur astronomers often use specialized software for astrophotography to process the images they capture with their telescopes. Some of the most commonly used software for amateur astronomers are listed below.

What are the main functions any software for astrophotography should have?

Any software for astrophotography should have a range of functions to support the processing, analysis, and visualization of astronomical images. All the software are not the same and they display some differences. Some of the key functions that are commonly found in astrophotography software include:

Image alignment: The ability to align and stack multiple images to produce a single, high-quality image.
Image stacking: The ability to stack multiple images to produce a single image with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Image calibration: Tools for removing noise and reducing artifacts from images, including dark frame subtraction, flat field correction, and bad pixel correction.
Color calibration: Tools for automatically or manually color-calibrating images, which can help to improve the accuracy of color representation in processed images.
Image editing: Tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance in processed images.
Image analysis: Tools for measuring and analyzing various features of astronomical images, including star positions, brightness, and photometry.
Image visualization: Tools for visualizing and exploring astronomical images, including pan and zoom, and the ability to overlay annotations and graphics.
Image export: The ability to export processed images in a range of formats, including FITS, TIFF, and JPEG.
Batch processing: The ability to process large numbers of images in batch mode, which can be useful for large image datasets.

Cost considerations

The cost of software for astrophotography can vary greatly depending on the features and functions provided. Here are some general ranges for different types of astrophotography software:

Free software: There are some free astrophotography software packages available, including DeepSkyStacker and RegiStax, which offer basic image processing functions.
Shareware: Some astrophotography software is available as shareware, which allows users to try the software for a limited time before purchasing it. The cost of shareware astrophotography software can range from $20 to $100.
Commercial software: Commercial astrophotography software, such as PixInsight, Astroart, and Astro Pixel Processor, can cost several hundred dollars. These software packages often provide a more comprehensive range of features and functions, including advanced image processing tools, image analysis, and visualization.

It’s important to note that while some of the more expensive software packages may offer more advanced features and functions, there are also many free and shareware packages that can provide adequate image processing capabilities for many users. Before purchasing software, it’s recommended to carefully consider the specific needs and requirements of your astrophotography workflow, and to compare the features and costs of different software packages.

DeepSkyStacker

DeepSkyStacker is a software application designed for astrophotography. It is used to stack multiple images of the night sky to produce a single, high-quality image with reduced noise and increased detail. The software can be used to process images taken with telescopes, camera lenses, and cameras with CCD sensors. This is one of the most popular software for astrophotography.

DeepSkyStacker Pros:

Easy to use: DeepSkyStacker has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Automated image alignment and stacking: DeepSkyStacker can automatically align and stack multiple images to produce a final result with increased detail and reduced noise.
Supports various image formats: DeepSkyStacker supports a wide range of image formats, including raw, TIFF, and JPEG.
Supports RAW conversion: DeepSkyStacker can be used to convert raw image files into TIFF or JPEG format, which can be further processed in other image editing software.
Batch processing: DeepSkyStacker allows you to process multiple image files at once, making it easy to work with large collections of images.

DeepSkyStacker Cons:

Limited editing tools: While DeepSkyStacker is designed for stacking images, it has limited editing tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance.
Performance issues: DeepSkyStacker can be slow and resource-intensive when processing large numbers of images.
Requires high-end hardware: DeepSkyStacker requires a high-end computer to run smoothly, especially when processing large numbers of images.

Download DeepSkyStacker

PixInsight

PixInsight is a professional image processing software application designed for astronomical imaging and other forms of digital image processing. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for pre-processing, post-processing, and enhancing digital images.

PixInsight Pros:

Advanced processing tools: PixInsight provides a wide range of advanced processing tools for image calibration, restoration, and enhancement. These tools are designed to help produce high-quality results, even with difficult or noisy images.
Scriptable: PixInsight provides a scripting language that allows users to automate complex processing tasks. This can save time and effort when working with large collections of images.
Support for different image formats: PixInsight supports a wide range of image formats, including raw, TIFF, FITS, and JPEG.
User community: PixInsight has a large and active user community that provides support, tutorials, and other resources for users.
Modular design: PixInsight has a modular design that allows users to install and use only the tools they need, reducing the memory footprint of the software and allowing it to run more efficiently on lower-end hardware.

PixInsight Cons:

Steep learning curve: PixInsight has a complex and powerful feature set, which can make it difficult for beginners to get started.
Price: PixInsight is a commercial software product, and can be more expensive than other image processing tools.
Limited compatibility with other software: PixInsight is designed as a standalone software application, and may have limited compatibility with other image editing tools.

Download PixInsight

RegiStax

RegiStax is a free image stacking software designed for astronomical imaging and other forms of digital image processing. It is designed to help produce high-quality images by stacking multiple frames of the same object, thereby reducing noise and increasing detail.

RegiStax Pros:

Free: RegiStax is a free software application, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Automated image alignment and stacking: RegiStax can automatically align and stack multiple images to produce a final result with increased detail and reduced noise.
Supports various image formats: RegiStax supports a wide range of image formats, including raw, TIFF, and JPEG.
User-friendly interface: RegiStax has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Large user community: RegiStax has a large and active user community that provides support, tutorials, and other resources for users.

RegiStax Cons:

Limited editing tools: While RegiStax is designed for stacking images, it has limited editing tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance.
Performance issues: RegiStax can be slow and resource-intensive when processing large numbers of images.
Limited customization options: RegiStax has limited options for customizing the stacking process, which can make it less flexible than other image processing tools.

Download RegiStax

Astroart

Astroart is a commercial image processing software designed for astronomical imaging and other forms of digital image processing. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for pre-processing, post-processing, and enhancing digital images.

Astroart Pros:

Advanced processing tools: Astroart provides a wide range of advanced processing tools for image calibration, restoration, and enhancement. These tools are designed to help produce high-quality results, even with difficult or noisy images.
Support for different image formats: Astroart supports a wide range of image formats, including raw, TIFF, FITS, and JPEG.
User-friendly interface: Astroart has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Large user community: Astroart has a large and active user community that provides support, tutorials, and other resources for users.
Modular design: Astroart has a modular design that allows users to install and use only the tools they need, reducing the memory footprint of the software and allowing it to run more efficiently on lower-end hardware.

Astroart Cons:

Price: Astroart is a commercial software product, and can be more expensive than other image processing tools.
Steep learning curve: Astroart has a complex and powerful feature set, which can make it difficult for beginners to get started.
Limited compatibility with other software: Astroart is designed as a standalone software application, and may have limited compatibility with other image editing tools.

Download Astroart

IRIS

Iris is a free, open-source image processing software designed for a wide range of digital image processing tasks, including astronomical imaging. It provides a user-friendly interface and a range of tools for image processing and analysis.

Iris Pros:

Free: Iris is a free, open-source software application, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
User-friendly interface: Iris has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Supports different image formats: Iris supports a wide range of image formats, including FITS, TIFF, and JPEG.
Wide range of processing tools: Iris provides a wide range of tools for image processing and analysis, including image alignment, stacking, and noise reduction.
Large user community: Iris has a large and active user community that provides support, tutorials, and other resources for users.

Iris Cons:

Limited editing tools: While Iris provides a range of processing tools, it has limited editing tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance.
Performance issues: Iris can be slow and resource-intensive when processing large numbers of images.
Limited customization options: Iris has limited options for customizing the processing and analysis tools, which can make it less flexible than other image processing tools.

Download Iris

FitsLiberator

FitsLiberator is a commercial software product designed for processing and visualizing data stored in the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) format. It is commonly used in the field of astronomy, where FITS is the standard format for storing and exchanging astronomical data.

FitsLiberator Pros:

Supports FITS format: FitsLiberator is specifically designed to process data stored in the FITS format, making it a useful tool for astronomers and others who work with FITS data.
User-friendly interface: FitsLiberator has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Image manipulation tools: FitsLiberator provides a range of tools for manipulating images, including color adjustments, brightness and contrast control, and noise reduction.
Batch processing: FitsLiberator allows users to process large numbers of images in batch mode, which can save time and effort compared to processing images individually.
Integration with other software: FitsLiberator can be integrated with other image processing software, making it a useful tool for an image processing workflow.

FitsLiberator Cons:

Cost: FitsLiberator is a commercial software product, and can be more expensive than other image processing tools.
Limited support for other image formats: FitsLiberator is specifically designed for processing FITS data, and has limited support for other image formats.
Steep learning curve: FitsLiberator has a complex feature set, which can make it difficult for beginners to get started.

Download FitsLiberator

SiriL

SiriL is a free, open-source astronomical image processing software that is designed to be a complete solution for processing, analyzing, and visualizing astronomical images. It provides a range of tools for image processing, including image alignment, stacking, and noise reduction.

SiriL Pros:

Free: SiriL is a free, open-source software, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
User-friendly interface: SiriL has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Supports different image formats: SiriL supports a wide range of image formats, including FITS, TIFF, and JPEG.
Wide range of processing tools: SiriL provides a wide range of tools for image processing and analysis, including image alignment, stacking, and noise reduction.
Large user community: SiriL has a large and active user community that provides support, tutorials, and other resources for users.

SiriL Cons:

Performance issues: SiriL can be slow and resource-intensive when processing large numbers of images.
Limited customization options: SiriL has limited options for customizing the processing and analysis tools, which can make it less flexible than other image processing tools.
Limited editing tools: While SiriL provides a range of processing tools, it has limited editing tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance.

Download SiriL

Astro Pixel Processor

Astro Pixel Processor (APP) is a commercial software product designed for processing and enhancing astronomical images. It provides a range of tools for image alignment, stacking, noise reduction, and color calibration, among others.

APP Pros:

Comprehensive processing tools: APP provides a wide range of tools for image processing and analysis, making it a complete solution for astronomical image processing.
User-friendly interface: APP has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Supports different image formats: APP supports a wide range of image formats, including FITS, TIFF, and JPEG.
Advanced noise reduction: APP provides advanced noise reduction tools that are designed specifically for astronomical images, which can result in improved image quality.
Automatic color calibration: APP provides automatic color calibration tools that can help to ensure accurate color representation in processed images.

APP Cons:

Cost: APP is a commercial software product, and can be more expensive than other image processing tools.
Steep learning curve: APP has a complex feature set, which can make it difficult for beginners to get started.
Resource-intensive: APP can be resource-intensive when processing large numbers of images, requiring a powerful computer to run effectively.

Download APP

These software programs offer a range of features and capabilities, and the best choice for a given amateur astronomer will depend on their specific needs and preferences. Many of these software for astrophotography programs have active communities of users who share tips, techniques, and best practices for using the software, which can be a valuable resource for amateur astronomers looking to improve their image processing skills. For an introduction to astrophotography, you can read this Introduction to Astrophotography article.