AstroShader for iPhone

AstroShader — iPhone Night-Sky Imaging Tool

AstroShader is a no-cost iOS application for capturing and processing images of the night sky. Created by George Cherry, it departs from conventional astronomy-photo workflows by performing alignment and stacking live as you shoot, so you don’t have to move files to a computer for a separate stacking step.

Capture Workflow

Follow these simplified steps to get started with a session:

• Decide how many exposures you want the app to automatically align and combine, then set that count.
• Secure your iPhone — use a tripod, a telescope mount, a stable stand, or even prop the phone against a rock.
• Set exposure time, ISO and white balance to suit the scene before you begin the capture sequence.
• Zoom in on the target stars and manually fine-tune the focus until stars appear sharp.

In-App Image Processing and Adjustments

AstroShader includes a broad toolkit for improving your captures without leaving the phone:

• Export images in multiple file formats such as TIFF, PNG, JPEG or HEIF to match your preferred workflow.
• Perform in-app calibration so you can skip taking separate calibration frames.
• Apply up to three sharpening layers with customizable radius and strength for detailed control.
• Use five separate curve controls for nuanced tonal shaping and contrast refinement.
• Tweak temperature, tint, saturation, brightness, and black point to balance color and exposure.
• Open previously saved photos to edit them directly without re-capturing.

Key Advantages

• Real-time alignment and stacking during capture streamlines the entire process and saves time.
• A comprehensive set of editing tools lets both newcomers and experienced astrophotographers refine results on the device.
• Flexible save options and the ability to edit existing images make the app adaptable to many workflows.

Other Options

If you want an alternative for general photo and video editing on mobile, consider CapCut — a free, popular choice for broader multimedia edits.