Astro Software

[USAF_slip]

Background: Nexstar 8SE (1 day till arrival), Nikon D5000 (w/ shutter remote and built in intervolameter) and lots of time!

Question: What software should do I need in order to whip out some great pics of the celestial sphere?

It should be something that isn't too technical or it should have a tutorial. It should preferable be free and available for download. Most importantly it should be safe (i.e. no viruses, malware, etc.) but I guess that a given, lol!

I not looking to make pictures to post in a scientific journal (but that would be awesome if I did!) I just want something to present the cosmos to my distant family and friends so they too can enjoy the best show on Earth (or perhaps in the Universe/'s depending on your scientific bend). Any assitance with be greatly valued so thanks in advance!

[Tinker1947]

Deep Sky Stacker for yous subs, Gimp for the resulting TIFF, both free....

DeepSkyStacker - Free

GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

[USAF_slip]

Awesome thanks Tinker...high five for the free ones too!

[terrym2002uk]

I would also recommend paint.net with all the plugins. Can handle better bit depths than gimp and even raw files.