MetaGuide

When taking photographs of celestial objects using a telescope, auto-guiding equipment or software is practically a must. If not used, you will only be able to perform short exposures, as these objects are constantly moving relative to the Earth because of its rotation.

Advanced telescopes come equipped with devices that handle this task, moving the scope in order to ensure the captured object remains in focus. However, there are software solutions you can rely on that enable you to use a video camera for auto-guiding.

MetaGuide is an application that relies on video imaging to manage the alignment of your telescope. It also provides collimation, using the in-focus diffraction pattern of a star.

In order to take advantage of this program, you will need a video camera of any size and type, and a connection to the mount is required to use the application’s guiding features. The mount can be equatorial or on a wedge, and it must support PulseGuide for ASCOM.

MetaGuide allows users to configure and monitor everything from a graphical user interface, and calibrations can be saved and loaded at a later date. The software comes with extensive documentation that should prove helpful for new users.