Resources

The story of Cluster One Observatory would not have been possible without the enormous list of information, resources and tools that internet makes available to the entire world. In our learning process, we have been nourished by the experience of astrophotographers both in Chile and in the rest of the world who, generously share their knowledge and experience on YouTube channels, webpages and specialized books.

In the following list, we have compiled a series of links that we are convinced will be of good use to you all.

Astronomical instrumentation

  • North Optics (Chile)
    The largest and most complete astronomy store in Chile. Official dealer of ZWO, SharpStar, QHYCCD, Pegasus, among others.

  • ZWO
    Astronomical cameras, mounts, controllers and kind of accessories

  • SharpStar Optics
    Telescopes and accessories

  • QHYCCD
    Astronomy Cameras and Scientific Cameras

  • Pegasus Astro
    Tools for professional astrophotography

  • Guan Sheng Optical (GSO)
    Telescopes, eyepieces and more

Software

  • PixInsight
    Advanced image processing software. So far, the standard for astrophotography data reduction and analysis.

  • Rusell Croman Astrophotography

    • BlurXTerminator
      AI-based deconvolution module for PixInsight

    • NoiseXTerminator
      AI-based plug-in for noise reduction available for PixInsight, Adobe Photoshop, and Affinity Photo

    • StarXTerminator
      AI-based plug-in for star removal and star mask generation for PixInsight, Adobe Photoshop, and Affinity Photo

  • GraXpert
    A free alternative to Pixinsight’s DBE for treating gradients.

  • DeepSkyStacker
    DeepSkyStacker is a freeware for astrophotographers that simplifies all the pre-processing steps of deep sky pictures.

  • SharpCap
    Easy-to-use and powerful astronomy camera capture and sensor analysis tool.

  • Sequence Generator Pro
    Automated image capture software for astrophotography

  • Sky Safari
    A paid planetarium app that comes in three levels, ranging from basic to professional versions.

  • Stellarium

    Fee open source planetarium for your computer and smartphone.

  • Seti Astro
    Standalone software that incorporates: XISF Liberator, Cosmic Clarity Sharpen/Denoise/Satellite, Statistical Stretch, Star Stretch, NBtoRGB Stars, Halo-B-Gon, Continuum Subtract Utility, What’s In My Image, and What’s In My Sky.

Books and magazines

Websites

Youtube channels

  • Desierto Cósmico
    Join Carlos Sagan in an astrophotography adventure from the Atacama desert in Chile (In spanish)

  • Galactic Hunter
    Helpful Astrophotography Content from Antoine and Dalia, a couple who take deep-sky photographs of space from Las Vegas and the Nevada desert.

  • Cuiv, The Lazy Geek
    Tutorials, technical videos, insights, imaging nights... all you need to get appreciate the starry skies, get involved in the hobby, or refine your knowledge!

  • Simplified Astro
    Tutorial and guidance videos, aiming to provide honest and open reviews of a range of products.

  • Chuck's Astrophotography
    For people interested in astronomy, telescopes, cameras, and astrophotography.

  • Adam Block
    Astrophotography, instructional videos (especially on PixInsight) and other space related themes.

  • Nebula Photos
    YouTube channel sharing tutorials and reviews related to astrophotography by Nico Carver

  • Visible Dark
    Pixinsight image processing tutorial, tips and astro product reviews.

  • Helena's Astrophotography
    An amateur astrophotographer from Scotland

  • Astronomy Shed
    Tutorials, reviews, demonstrations, all related or based on things astronomy.

  • Astro Backyard
    This channel is all about astrophotography.

  • Windy City Astrophotography
    With this channel Nick will take you along on his astrophotography journey, mostly from light-polluted skies!

  • Cosmos Safari

    The channel goes in depth in the world of amateur astronomy, and astrophotography.

  • DSLR Night Sky
    Review of a wide range of equipment types and imaging techniques.

  • Dylan O'Donnell
    Mix of astronomy and science resource videos, original and cover music, photography and videography and general kinetic creativity!

  • Out Getting Subs
    Interesting videos from an amateur Astrophotographer from Northern Germany.

  • Celestial Photography
    Astrophotography vlogs where I'm shooting deep sky objects, testing new equipment, and traveling to dark locations.

  • Mitch
    Pushing the limits of photons gathering.

  • Astro Shed
    SGP and PixInsight tutorials

  • Imm deep sky compendium
    Deep Sky Compendium spreadsheet to help astrophotographers find interesting deep sky targets

  • In-The-Sky.org
    Guides to the night sky, featuring astronomical events and charts, articles and ephemerides.

  • Lights To Process
    A channel made for beginners who want to get into astrophotography and basic astronomy.

Friends and groups