N.I.N.A.
N.I.N.A. (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) is free open-source software for astrophotography. It helps automate and control cameras, mounts, focusers, filter wheels, and observatory domes to image the night sky.
N.I.N.A.: Automate Astrometry
Free open-source software for astrophotography automation, controlling cameras, mounts, and observatory domes for capturing stunning night sky images.
What is N.I.N.A.?
N.I.N.A. (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) is a free, open-source software application designed specifically for astrophotography. It serves as an all-in-one solution to help automate and control various equipment used to image the night sky.
Some of the core capabilities of N.I.N.A. include:
- Controlling cameras from leading manufacturers like ZWO, QHY, Orion, and Meade.
- Interfacing with and controlling telescope mounts, focusers, filter wheels, and observatory domes.
- Automated guiding to keep stars pinpoint sharp.
- Planetary, deep space, and hyperfocal imaging modes.
- Image calibration with darks, flats, bias/offset frames.
- Plate solving to automatically determine field orientation.
- Sequencing multi-frame mosaic panoramas.
- Live-stacking multiple exposures to reduce noise.
- Extensive post-processing tools.
With its wide equipment compatibility, automation features, and processing power, N.I.N.A. helps astrophotographers simplify complex workflows and spend more time imaging than struggling with equipment and software settings.
N.I.N.A. Features
Features
- Camera control and image acquisition
- Mount control
- Focuser control
- Filter wheel control
- Dome control
- Image processing
- Image analysis
- Automated imaging sequences
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Supports many cameras, mounts, and other hardware
Powerful automation and sequencing
Active development and user community
Cons
Steep learning curve
Limited documentation/support
Some hardware not supported
Advanced features have a complexity cost
Official Links
Reviews & Ratings
Login to ReviewThe Best N.I.N.A. Alternatives
Top Science & Education and Astronomy and other similar apps like N.I.N.A.
Here are some alternatives to N.I.N.A.:
Suggest an alternative ❐
SharpCap
SharpCap is free camera capture software developed by Robin Glover specifically for Windows users to control astronomical cameras and webcams. It supports a wide variety of sensors and cameras, including high-end cooled astronomical CCD cameras, low-cost video cameras, and basic webcams.Some key features of SharpCap include:Live video preview with adjustable...
Qastrocam
Qastrocam is an astrophotography camera control and image acquisition software designed specifically for use with Canon DSLR cameras. It provides advanced features to capture high quality images of deep sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.Some key features of Qastrocam include:Bulb ramping - smoothly changes exposure times during an...
APT (Astro Photography Tool)
APT (Astro Photography Tool) is an open-source software application designed specifically for astrophotography. It allows astro photographers to automate and control their equipment like digital cameras, mounts, focusers, filter wheels during long-exposure imaging sessions.Some of the key features of APT include:Exposure sequencing - APT makes it easy to program and...
BackyardEOS
BackyardEOS is specialized astrophotography software designed for use with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. It provides an intuitive interface to control camera settings like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and more to optimize photographic capture of celestial objects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.Key features of BackyardEOS include:Live View with...
FireCapture
FireCapture is a free, open-source screenshot and screen recording software for Windows. It provides an easy way to capture screenshots, record screen activity, annotate images, and share them.Some key features of FireCapture include:Lightweight and fast performanceIntuitive user interface for easy screenshot capturing and screen recordingVarious screenshot capture modes - fullscreen,...
Sequence Generator Pro
Sequence Generator Pro is a powerful Windows-based show control software designed specifically for the entertainment industry. It enables users to visually program dynamic show control sequences that can integrate and synchronize nearly any type of equipment including lighting, lasers, video servers, media servers, audio playback devices, animatronics, special effects, and...
Voyager Astrophotography
Voyager Astrophotography is a versatile astrophotography planning, acquisition, and processing software for Windows. It is designed to optimize and simplify all stages of astrophotography.The key features of Voyager include:Imaging planning tools that show when targets rise, set, and reach meridian on any date and location. This helps plan the best...
