News
Stay up to date on new releases, products, events and more.
GraXpert adds AI noise reduction
The free gradient removal tool GraXpert has added AI-based noise reduction. The tool is very simple to use, with essentially one slider to dial in the strength. For PixInsight users, the tool is now also available as a process rather than a scrip.
BlurXTerminator 2: Major upgrade
The AI-based tool BlurXTerminator was a revolution when it was released a year ago. Now version 2 has been released, and again the improvements are revolutionary once again. The way BXT is now able to correct for all kind of optical defects such as aberrations, coma, astigmatism, etc. is mind-blowing.
KStars 3.6.8: Aberration inspector to analyse backfocus and sensor tilt
An aberration inspector to analyse sensor tilt and backfocus distance has come to KStars/Ekos. In the December release (version 3.6.8), John Evans has introduced a tool that will make properly aligning the optical train a lot easier.
GraXpert 2.0: Single click background extraction right within PixInsight
GraXpert 2.0, a tool for automated background extraction, brings two important improvements. First it is now based on an AI-model, which significantly enhances the final results. Secondly, it is now available as a script right within PixInsight.
New PixInsight script to colour narrowband images
Mike Cranfield and Adam Block created a new tool to create colourful NB images. Each filter is assigned a layer with a colour rather than a channel. Layers are then blended together with a lot of fine-control, all with a real-time preview showing the final results immediately.
Eise Eisinga Planetarium UNESCO World Heritage
The Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker, The Netherlands, has obtained the status of UNESCO world heritage. It is the oldest still working planetarium in the world (image © Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium)
New PixInsight process: Narrowband Normalisation
This new tool for PixInsight provides full control to balance the individual colour channels in narrowband images. It works for OSC and monochrome cameras and is available for free
Supernova SN2023ixf captured with new telescope
The bright supernova in M101 is an interesting target for many astrophotographers. It appeared also a great object for first light of a new large aperture telescope in the observatory, a Planewave CDK14
Dovetail Clamp and Powerbox in one device
A new device from Pegasus Astro combines a dovetail clamp and powerbox into one. An interesting option to improve cable management without adding extra boxes on the rig.
SNR-based exposure calculation tool
A new web-based tool to calculate the required exposure (number of frames and/or total exposure) based on a target SNR.
New ColorMask Script: Photo editor-like convenience
A new free script for PixInsight makes the manipulation of selective color areas a whole lot easier. A method using colorwheel and color pickers will make the need to use an external photo editor a whole lot less.
New SHO, HSO, HOO normalisation tools
Bill Blanshan published a new and much improved version of his narrowband normalisation tools.
New promising comet discovered
Naked-eye visible comets are pretty rare. A newly discovered comet, C/2023 A3 may become one, even though we still have to wait a bit, as its closest distance to the sun will be reached in September 2024.
New Foraxx script for PixInsight
A new, free script for PixInsight has been released that automates the creating of narrowband images in Foraxx palette. For details on what it is and how to get it, read more.
MountWizzard4 version 3.0 released
MountWizzard4 is a must-have tool for owners of a 10Micron mount. The mount modelling can be finely controlled and over the years the software has received many more functions to manage the observatory. Version 3 has now been released with some very nice upates
New CometAlignment tool PixInsight
With comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) high in the sky, PixInsight has released version 1.3.5 of its CometAlignment tool, bringing some interesting improvements.
M31 reveals a secret
A new OIII nebula has been discovered overhanging the M31 Andromeda Galaxy. It is part of a series of new discoveries in the Strottner-Drechsler catalogue.
BlurXTerminator, a revolution in deconvolution
BlurXTerminator is a new AI-based deconvolution tool which will probably revolutionise the way astrophotographers will process their images.
New Player One Cooled DSO Cameras
The Zeus (full frame) and Poseidon (APS-C) are Player One’s entry into the market of cooled astrophotography cameras. Familiar sensors in an innovative package
Uranus Meteo Station available
The Pegasus Astro Uranus Meteo Sensor has finally started shipping. This 3-in-1 design captures meteo, sky quality and GPS data. It can be used hand-held or with your favourite astrophotography software.