ASTRO - SOFTWARE FOR WEBCAMS
A number of applications have been written for processing images by enthusiastic and public spirited programmers (most are free). A list of some of the more useful and popular ones is given below. The links to the respective sites all worked last time I checked them, but you know what the 'Net is like.
Imaging & Enhancement
- by Axel Canicio Download HERE
An image acquisition program for web-cams with support for dark frames, video integration, the Vesta-SC camera modification etc.
- by COAA Download a trial version HERE
Real-time stacking and video-integration of AVI frames.
- by Christian Buil Download HERE
Astro - image manipulation and enhancement.
- by Peter Katreniak Download HERE
Video capture, selection, alignment and export of groups of frames. Can convert groups of BMPs to AVIs and viceversa.
Imaging
-by Steve Chambers Download HERE
Simple image capture program specifically produced to work with Steve's Vesta-SC long exposure modification (works with other webcams too).
- by Colin Bownes Download HERE
A real-time capture program with some enhancement and video-integration. Outputs as Fits or bmp files.
Enhancement
- by R.J.Stekelburg Download HERE.
A program to stack a series of images taken in either AVI or bmp format , enhance them and save as a Fits or bmp file. Includes auto-alignment of the images.
- Same author Download HERE
Allows viewing and editing of AVI files to bmp, make AVI movies from bmps and more.
- by Patrick Chevalley Download HERE
Inputs Fits and bmp files, has astro - image enhancement facilities and outputs as Fits or bmp. (in French)
- by Georg Dittie Download HERE
An astro- image manipulation and enhancement program with many facilities. (in German).
- by Cor Berrevoets Download HERE
Registration, stacking and processing of lunar and planetary images in AVI and BMP formats.
These programs were available when last checked on 14th February 2008
Without an understanding of the principles (and the pitfalls) involved in astronomical image enhancement, the above programs wouldn't be much use to most people. An explanation of the principles is available on the Web site of the Quickcam and Unconventional Imaging Astronomy Group (QCUIAG). There are also many fine examples of what has been achieved by members with simple cameras and a lot of skill. A read of the FAQs page is strongly recommended.