AstroPitography

Overview

AstroPitography is an exciting project that aims to democratize astrophotography by utilizing the affordable Raspberry Pi High Quality camera. Designed for enthusiasts who want to explore the cosmos without breaking the bank, it provides a user-friendly interface to control the camera and manage imaging sessions seamlessly. The project is under continuous development to enhance its features and compatibility, making it an interesting option for both amateur astronomers and tech-savvy individuals alike.

With the challenge of integrating picamera2 for better compatibility with newer Raspberry OS versions, the developer is focused on refining the experience while working on documentation and code improvements. This effort not only includes feature development but also aims to ensure a more stable and efficient workflow for users who wish to capture stunning celestial images with modest hardware.

Features

• Camera Control Settings: Adjust critical camera settings like brightness, contrast, saturation, and exposure directly from the GUI for optimal image capture.
• Live Preview Feature: View a live feed of the camera within the GUI, helping you ensure that your celestial subjects are perfectly framed.
• Resizable Preview: Easily enlarge or shrink the live preview using simple GUI buttons, enhancing user interaction.
• Crosshair Overlay: Utilize a crosshair on the live preview to assist with precise alignment of targets during observation.
• Automatic Plate Solving: Leverage ESA’s lost in space tetra3 algorithm for automatic plate solving, streamlining the imaging process.
• Time and Date Adjustment: Set the Raspberry Pi’s time and date conveniently from within the GUI, crucial for headless setups lacking WiFi.
• Greyscale Imaging: Toggle between greyscale imaging with color filters and apply automatic white balance correction for better image quality.
• Image Capture Options: Capture individual or multiple images, catering to different astrophotography needs and preferences.