User Guide on Astro Live Stacker

Concepts

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:33:38 +0000

Introduction

By the end of this chapter, the basic concepts of ALS will be familiar to you.

You will understand what ALS does and how it does it.

Stacking

Stacking is the process of combining multiple subs of the same target to generate a more detailed and contrasted image than a single sub.

The quality of the result increases as more subs are used.

Comparison of 8 stacking results
The number of stacked subs is indicated at the top left of each image

A successful session

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:33:38 +0000

📘 Introduction

This chapter is your roadmap for running a successful ALS session and monitoring its progress.

It wraps up the presentation of ALS main concepts before you dive into the user interface guide.

⚙️ Setup

Whether you’re shooting DSO live, preparing data for detailed post-processing, or diving into something more artistic, these steps will help you get the best out of ALS every time.

✔️ Choose Your Profile

EAA: For live imaging

Keyboard Shortcuts

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ALS

Ctrl + P Preferences

Ctrl + Q Quit

ALS

⌘ + , Preferences

⌘ + Q Quit

Window

D toggles full screen mode

N toggles night mode

Livestacking

R starts / pauses / resumes the session

X stops the session

A ON/OFF subs alignment

K acknowledges issues

Panels

C ON/OFF toggle Main Controls

L ON/OFF toggle Session Log

P ON/OFF toggle Processing

I ON/OFF image-only mode

Image

Y zoom in