11 Recommended Open Source Multi-Platform Astronomy Software

PHD2

PHD2 is a telescope guiding software tool for astro-photographers. It is a well-polished application and has both beginner and experienced friendly features combined with a good set of visualization tools.

Features include:

• Easy-to-use, “push here dummy” guiding for beginners
• Smart calibration with automatic adjustment for side-of-pier and pointing location
• Sophisticated guiding and analysis tools for experienced users
• Multiple algorithm choices for each telescope axis
• Guiding Assistant for measuring mount performance
• Extensive visualization tools for fine-tuning and review
• Automatic management of dark-frame libraries and bad-pixel maps
• Quick and easy switching between multiple imaging configurations
• Support for adaptive optics and rotator devices
• Automation interfaces for 3rd party imaging applications
• Star-cross test tool
• Extensive support for commonly-used equipment
• Extensive online help and product support

OS	Supported	Notes
		Telescope guiding software that simplifies the process of tracking a guide star, letting you concentrate on other aspects of deep-sky imaging or spectroscopy. There are binaries available for Windows and Mac OS X, Linux users are recommended to compile the source code. There is a built-in help file which goes into some detail. Homepage: openphdguiding.org Developer: Open PHD Guiding development team License: BSD 3-clause "New" or "Revised" License Written in: C++