N.I.N.A. (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy) is a free and open-source software program for astrophotography and astronomy data acquisition running on Microsoft Windows. It was developed by a group of amateur astronomers with the goal of creating a comprehensive and user-friendly software package that could be used for all aspects of astrophotography, including imaging, focusing, guiding, and mount control.
N.I.N.A. is compatible with a wide range of astronomy equipment, including telescopes, cameras, filter wheels, and mount controllers. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including plate solving, auto-focusing, auto-guiding, and image stacking.
One of the unique features of N.I.N.A. is its built-in sequencing module, which allows users to create complex imaging sequences and automates the entire data acquisition process. This is useful for capturing multiple images of the same object over a period of time, or for imaging multiple objects in a single observing session.
N.I.N.A. also includes a powerful and intuitive user interface that is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. The interface is highly customizable, with a range of themes and color schemes available to suit the user’s preferences.
In addition to its imaging capabilities, N.I.N.A. also includes a range of tools for analyzing and processing astronomical data, including a powerful image previewer and histogram tool. It also supports a wide range of file formats, including FITS, RAW, and JPEG.
Overall, N.I.N.A. is a comprehensive and versatile software package that is highly regarded by amateur and professional astronomers alike. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to get started with astrophotography or astronomy data acquisition.