Combining FITS Files from Different Software in Your Astrophotography Project

Astrophotography enthusiasts often use different software for capturing and processing their images. A common question arises: Can you use FITS files from various software like Ekos and ASIAIR in the same project? The answer is yes! In this blog post, we'll discuss how to ensure compatibility between FITS files from different software while maintaining consistent camera settings, such as gain, offset, and binning.

Understanding FITS File Compatibility

The Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) is a widely used file format in astronomy and astrophotography. Its primary purpose is to store, transmit, and manipulate scientific data, including images. Most astrophotography software should be able to read and process standard FITS files generated by other programs.

To ensure compatibility between FITS files from different software, follow these steps:

• Use consistent camera settings: Make sure to use the same camera settings, such as gain, offset, and binning, across all your files. This way, you'll be able to calibrate, stack, and process the images accurately.
• Check the metadata: If you run into compatibility issues, inspect the metadata in the FITS files to make sure they contain the same information. You can use software like FITS Liberator, AstroImageJ, or other FITS viewers to examine the file headers and ensure they have the same key parameters.

Processing Your Combined FITS Files

Once you've verified that your FITS files are compatible, you can proceed to process them using your preferred astrophotography software, such as PixInsight, DeepSkyStacker, or others. These programs will allow you to calibrate, stack, and enhance your images, producing stunning results that showcase your astrophotography skills.

Conclusion

In summary, combining FITS files from different software like Ekos and ASIAIR in the same astrophotography project is entirely possible. By ensuring the compatibility of the files and maintaining consistent camera settings, you can create breathtaking images of the night sky. So go ahead and experiment with different software and settings to capture the beauty of the cosmos!