Software Used
This section is based on the software I use for Astrophotography. This will only list processing software and I will list some alternatives which can be used. Deep Sky Stacker (DSS) DSS is free to download software which stacks the exposure you have taken, along with your calibration frames. Other than Pixinsight, DSS is the only other software I use for stacking photos. It's easy to use, stacks them quite fast and can save in multiple file types. |
GIMP
GIMP is software which is the free open source version of Photoshop (PS). This software has a lot of potential and is very good for starting out on processing images after stacking. I used GIMP at the start before moving to Pixinsight. Easy learning curve and very quick to get a fast and easy stretched image out, but also powerful enough to process complex pictures - it's a good alternative to PS if you don't want to pay. |
Pixinsight
Pixinsight (PI) is my go-to processing software. It's paid software with a one-off payment but does come with 6 weeks free trial period. The learning curve is steep and the software is extremely powerful. I highly recommend this software, but don't go rush out to buy it if you are a starter. You can use GIMP while learning basic processing skills and AP skills. I LOVE THIS SOFTWARE. |
There are plenty of tutorials on using this software on YouTube for all of the above software. Don't be afraid to try them. worst case reload the base image and retry again.