An open beta for lucky imaging: Solar, Lunar, and Planetary capture work that started because the Mac and Linux options were not what I wanted them to be.
A couple of years ago I found myself dissatisfied with the state of lucky imaging software. This is the process of taking high speed images of the Sun, Moon, and planets, then processing them into high-resolution still images.
There was not much available for the Mac or Linux, which I use far more than Windows. I thought, "I can do better myself."
Like most Starstone things, this is built in the margins. I still work on it regularly, but progress is slow because there are only so many bill-paying hours in a day.
It is not what I would call a finished product yet, but it is already useful enough to release as an open beta.
The camera interface currently supports Player One cameras. Their SDK is good, their engineers have been responsive to bug reports, and the hardware is at a quality that is good enough for me. When the camera interface is where I want it, I will start adding other cameras.
No forced expiration. I considered expiring betas to encourage updates, then remembered someone would discover that at the telescope on a good night. No thanks.
Feedback welcome. If you use it, please let me know what breaks and what features would help sooner rather than later.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice is available for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 11.0 or greater. Email support@starstonesoftware.com and I will send you a download link.
Send a note and tell me what camera and Mac you are using.