Powerful for anyone. Simple for everyone.
OpenAstro is an open-source platform for astrophotography. Built on the ASCOM Alpaca API, it lets you control cameras, mounts, focusers, filter wheels, and other gear over the network from Linux, macOS, or Windows. Every driver is ASCOM ConformU verified.
Already have a workflow? Keep it. OpenAstro works with the imaging apps you already love: APT, CCDciel, N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro, SharpCap, and Voyager.
The Project
AlpacaBridge
The engine at the telescope. A growing suite of native, ConformU-verified Alpaca drivers that turns any single-board computer into a gear-control server. No ASCOM Platform, no vendor COM drivers. It auto-detects USB and Wi-Fi gear, with a browser-based management UI.
OpenAstro Linux
Debian 13 (Trixie) images and guides that unlock devices like the iOptron iMate, ToupTek StellaVita, ZWO ASIAIR (Pro or Plus), or a Raspberry Pi so you can take full control of your imaging setup.
Ara
The imaging app. One experience on Linux, macOS, and Windows, connecting straight to your AlpacaBridge device over the network. Free to build from source, with Ara Pro offering ready-to-run builds.
Where to Start
- Set up your device
Follow the step-by-step guides in Install on Your SBC for the iMate, StellaVita, ASIAIR, or Raspberry Pi, then install AlpacaBridge from apt.openastro.net.
- Pick your imaging app
Use Ara on any OS, or one of the classic Imaging apps: APT, CCDciel, N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro, SharpCap, or Voyager.
- Join the community
Get help and share results on Discord, or explore the code on GitHub.
Everything OpenAstro builds is free and open source, and Ara Pro helps keep the project going.