# Picastro

> The dedicated astrophotography app and community for sharing hi-res deep-sky, lunar and planetary images. No compression, no bots, no fake AI. Available on iPhone, iPad and Android.

## Pages

- [Picastro — Astrophotography app & community](https://www.picastroapp.com/): The social app built by an astrophotographer for real, full-resolution deep-sky images. No compression, no bots, no fake AI.
- [Features — StarCards, Plate Solving & Hi-Res](https://www.picastroapp.com/features): Hi-res uploads up to 120 MB, StarCards, StarCamps, SetUps, plate solving, ImageProtect and a real astro community.
- [Pricing — from £4/mo](https://www.picastroapp.com/pricing): Free Curiosity tier, Callisto £6.50/mo (3 mo), Titan £4/mo (12 mo) for unlimited hi-res uploads up to 120 MB.
- [Astrophotography Gallery](https://www.picastroapp.com/gallery): Hi-res deep-sky, nebula, galaxy, lunar and planetary images shared without compression by the Picastro community.
- [FAQs](https://www.picastroapp.com/faqs): Answers about pricing, hi-res uploads, image quality, accounts, plate solving, community and support.
- [About Picastro](https://www.picastroapp.com/about): The dedicated astrophotography app built by an astrophotographer, for astrophotographers.
- [Download Picastro](https://www.picastroapp.com/download): Free on iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. No sign-up required to browse.
- [Press & Reviews](https://www.picastroapp.com/reviews): Press coverage and community reviews of the Picastro astrophotography app.
- [Contact](https://www.picastroapp.com/contact): Contact the Picastro team for support, press, partnerships or feedback.
- [Photonica — Picastro Blog](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog): Astrophotography guides, deep-sky tutorials, processing tips and community stories.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.picastroapp.com/privacy-policy): How Picastro collects, uses and protects your personal data.
- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.picastroapp.com/terms): Terms of Service for the Picastro astrophotography app.
- [Child Safety Standards](https://www.picastroapp.com/child-safety): How Picastro keeps children and young people safe on the platform.
- [Acceptable Use Policy](https://www.picastroapp.com/accessibility): The rules for using the Picastro platform fairly and safely.

## Blog posts

- [Imaging M42 in Astrophotography – A PicastroNerd’s Guide](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/a-guide-for-new-astrophotographers-imaging-m42): Discover how to image M42 – The Orion Nebula in astrophotography with expert tips on exposure and setup. Learn to frame M42 perfectly today!
- [Understanding deep sky astronomy objects in our night sky](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/understanding-deep-sky-astronomy-objects-in-our-night-sky): Astronomy opens a window to the vast universe beyond our planet. Among the many celestial wonders, deep sky astronomy objects captivate both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers alike.
- [Essential UK astrophotography tools for enthusiasts](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/essential-uk-astrophotography-tools-for-enthusiasts): Astrophotography is a tremendous hobby that combines the beauty of the night sky with the art of photography.
- [Stop chasing likes and follows on social media.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/why-our-astrophotography-creativity-deserves-better-than-an-algorithm): Explore why our astrophotography deserves more than an algorithm's approval. Discover the true joy of astrophotography beyond likes.
- [Astrophotography Tips for Beginners](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/how-to-get-started-with-astrophotography-using-your-smartphone): Discover astrophotography tips for beginners. Learn how to capture stunning photos with astrophotography techniques and tools today!
- [Astrophotography tools for stunning night shots](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/essential-astrophotography-tools-for-imaging-the-night-sky): Discover astrophotography tools to enhance your night sky captures. Learn how astrophotography tools can improve your photos.
- [Framing M42 in Astrophotography – A Picastro Nerd’s Guide](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/how-to-frame-m42-the-orion-nebula-in-astrophotography): Discover expert tips on How to Frame M42 – The Orion nebula in Astrophotography. Learn how to frame M42 like a pro and enhance your astrophotography skills.
- [Calibration Frames in Astrophotography: Essential Guide by Picastro](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/calibration-frames-in-astrophotography): Discover why "Satellite trails and the problems they cause" are a growing issue in astrophotography. Learn how to minimize satellite trails.
- [Satellite trails are becoming a serious problem for astrophotographers. Learn how they interfere with stacking, photometry, and astrometry—and what you can do to minimise their impact.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/satellite-trails-and-the-problems-they-cause): Discover why "Satellite trails and the problems they cause" are a growing issue in astrophotography. Learn how to minimize satellite trails.
- [Tips to help mitigate light pollution](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/light-pollution-the-thorn-in-all-of-our-sides): Discover how light pollution in astrophotography impacts your images and nature. Learn strategies to combat light pollution in astrophotography effectively.
- [Astrophotography tips for improving your astrophography images](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/top-ten-tips-for-improving-your-astrophotography-images): Discover some tips on taking great astrophotography images. Tips I always come back to time after time.
- [Astrophotography tips for improving your astrophography images](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/mastering-deep-sky-stacker): Unlock the full potential of Deep Sky Stacker, an astrophotography software for processing. Master the workflow of this astrophotography software for processing.
- [Astrophotography Technology Guide](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/how-technology-is-revolutionising-astrophotography): Discover astrophotography technology and how it’s changing the game. Learn about astrophotography technology in this detailed guide.
- [Managing expectations when doing astrophotography and amateur astronomy](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/managing-expectations-in-astrophotography): Discover the best software for astronomy processing of planets and deep-sky images. From RegiStax to PixInsight, find the perfect tool for your astrophotography journey.
- [Top remote and private observatories for astronomy and astrophotography](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/top-remote-and-private-observatories-for-astronomy-and-astrophotography): Using a remote imaging setup or private observatory to capture images of the night sky can be a great thing for the hobby of astronomy and astrophotography, more so if you live in an area with lots of
- [IC1848, The Soul nebula](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/ic-1848-soul-nebula): A two panel mosaic of the soul nebula
- [The best dark sky sites in Scotland for astrophotography and stargazing](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/scotland-best-dark-sky-locations-for-astrophotography-and-stargazing): Some of the best dark sky sites in Scotland
- [The Aurora in Scotland!](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/aurora-in-scotland): The first time I watched an Aurora in Scotland and it blew my mind!
- [Tadpoles in space - the tadpoles nebula?](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/tadpoles-nebula-ic-410): IC410 / NGC 1893 or the Tadpoles nebula is a cosmic collection of dust hurling through space and it looks like two tadpoles swimming! Can you see it?Total Integration time: 16 hours 40 minsMoon covera
- [M101 Galaxy - the one with the supernova explosion.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/m101-galaxy-the-one-with-the-supernova-explosion): A fantastic view of M101 galaxy, the one with the supernova explosion from 2023
- [Imaging M81, Bodes Galaxy from my back garden.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/i-imaged-messier-81-or-bodes-galaxy-from-my-back-garden): Discover how I captured stunning images of M81 Bodes galaxy from my back garden. Learn tips for photographing M81 Bodes galaxy yourself.
- [NGC 7380, I imaged a cosmic wizard in space!](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/wizard-nebula-ngc-7380): NGC 7380 or the wizard nebula is a relatively young open cluster of stars in the constellation of Cepheus, discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1787. The surrounding emission nebulosity is known colloqu
- [Rosette Nebula - A Skull in Space: Capturing the Spectacular Monoceros Region](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/rosette-nebula-a-skull-in-space): Explore the Rosette Nebula - a skull in space with a small telescope. Discover its vibrant colors and the fascinating Herbig-Haro object within.
- [I imaged Messier 33 or Triangulum galaxy from my back garden.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/i-imaged-messier-33-or-triangulum-galaxy-from-my-back-garden): Imaging the Triangulum galaxy from a backyard with a dedicated astronomy camera, equatorial mount, and Skywatcher telescope. A great capture for only 27 minutes.
- [Have you ever seen a brain in deep space?](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/have-you-ever-seen-a-brain-in-deep-space): An image of a huge emission nebula in space
- [Imaging the Whirlpool Galaxy, Messier 51a, from My Back Garden in 2023](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/messier-51-whirlpool-galaxy): Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Messier 51 galaxy as captured from a backyard in 2023. Discover the wonders of this celestial marvel!
- [Messier 1 — The Crab nebula: A supernova explosion and the first object in the Messier catalogue.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/messier-1-the-crab-nebula-the-first-object-in-the-messier-catalogue): A beautiful supernova explosion and the first object in the messier catalogue, messier 1
- [A full run down of the Messier catalogue of deep sky objects.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/a-full-run-down-of-the-messier-catalogue-of-deep-sky-objects): A full list of the 110 objects in the messier catalogue of deep sky objects.
- [I took an image of a galaxy 27 million light years away from us.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/i-took-an-image-of-a-galaxy-27-million-light-years-away-from-us): I imaged this galaxy from my back garden in 2023 using my one shot colour camera and my light pollution filter.
- [The heart of the heart nebula. Melotte 15 a deep sky object I imaged from my back garden.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/melotte-15-heart-of-the-heart-nebula): A colourful deep sky object called Melotte 15 or heart of the heart nebula
- [Best Astrophotography Apps for Use in Astrophotography: Beginner to Expert Guide](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/best-astrophotography-apps-for-use-in-astrophotography): Discover the best space and astronomy apps for use in astrophotography. Perfect for beginners and experts seeking top-rated tools and insights.
- [Top Software for Astronomy Processing: Best Tools for Planetary and Deep-Sky Image Stacking](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/best-software-for-astronomy-processing): Discover the best software for astronomy processing of planets and deep-sky images. From RegiStax to PixInsight, find the perfect tool for your astrophotography journey.
- [A Quick Guide to Planetary Imaging](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/planetary-imaging): Learning the art of planetary imaging with our quick guide. Learn the best tips and techniques for capturing stunning images of the planets and beyond from a planetary imager in the UK.
- [The Bortle Scale - what is it?](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/the-bortle-scale): Explore the Bortle Scale and learn how it measures the visibility of celestial objects in the night sky. Discover its impact on stargazing and astronomy and astrophotography.
- [Our friend — The Moon ](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/our-friend-the-moon): From lunar phases to celestial folklore, discover the captivating allure of our celestial neighbour, our rocky partner, the moon.
- [Picastro - social media for astronomy ](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/picastro-social-media-for-astronomy): Discover the ultimate social media platform for astronomy enthusiasts. Picastro - social media for astro, where you can share and admire stunning space images distraction-free!
- [The Pelican Nebula](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/the-pelican-nebula): Explore the details and the breathtaking beauty of the Pelican Nebula and uncover the wonders of the universe. Discover the celestial marvel in all its glory! Taken from my back garden on the west coa
- [The Moon: More Than a Rock](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/the-moon-more-than-a-rock): Discover the secrets of the lunar surface and the moon. Explore why the lunar surface and the moon are more than just a rock in space.
- [The Soul Nebula: My Latest Deep-Sky Image from my Back Garden.](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/the-soul-nebula-my-latest-deep-sky-image): Explore the breathtaking beauty and colours of the Soul Nebula captured from a backyard on the west coast of Scotland using a back garden telescope. Admire the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe th
- [Some Useful Tips to Get Into this Amazing Hobby We Call Astro!](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/astrophotography-beginner-tips-getting-started): a beginners guide to diving into the fascinating world of astronomy and astrophotography! Get a few tips and tricks to kickstart your astro hobby.
- [The Orion nebula – M42 with De Marian’s nebula and the Trapezium. ](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/m42-orion-nebula-de-marians-trapezium): Messier 45 or the Orion nebula
- [The second image I took of The planet Jupiter! I know, it is a bit fuzzy bit it’s the planet Jupiter from my back garden](https://www.picastroapp.com/blog/second-image-of-jupiter-from-back-garden): Discover the wonders of the universe with 'The planet Jupiter from my back garden!' Explore tips for stargazing and see Jupiter from home!

## Optional

- [Sitemap](https://www.picastroapp.com/sitemap.xml): Full machine-readable index of every public page.