Software
The tools I use
The programs and apps I use to observe, photograph and process, and that I recommend to beginners. Download them from the official websites.
Processing
Planet EngineFor Windows, macOS and Linux, in Free and Pro editions: it turns videos of the planets, the Moon and the Sun into a single sharp image, from stacking to the finished picture in one program. It was developed by Renato Tarabella, starting from the tests, comparisons and ideas of two planetary imagers: me and Paolo Baldoni.
Official websiteDeepSkyStacker
Free software that makes it easy to align and stack deep-sky images, taken either with digital cameras or with astronomy cameras.
Official website
Sky maps
Stellarium
A simple yet very complete virtual planetarium, which helps you plan your observations or photography of astronomical objects. It is free, both as a computer program and as a smartphone app.
Official website
Phone apps
Simple BPM Detector
This simple app listens to the ticking of the Minitrack and measures its rate, which must be between 130 and 140 BPM for the best tracking of the sky. It's a bit like checking the instrument's heartbeat!
Official website