In this article, I will show you how to install Starnet on Siril on Mac M1. You can follow these steps and install them. 

Configuration

Configuring Starnet++ v2 on a Mac with Siril requires a few steps. Here’s a general guide on how to do it.

Check out: Workshops

Download Startnet for Mac

Download Starnet++ v2 for Mac: You can download the latest version of Starnet++ v2

https://starnetastro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/StarNetv2CLI_MacOS.zip.

Install Siril

If you don’t have Siril installed on your Mac, you can download it from the official Siril website https://siril.org/download/ Follow the instructions to install Siril on your Mac.

Unzip Starnet++ v2: After downloading Starnet++ v2, unzip the package and save it conveniently on your Mac.

Install Starnet on Siril on Mac M1

Preparation:

1. Download the StarNetv2CLI_MacOS package:
   • Visit the following GitHub repository: <invalid URL removed>
   • Download the latest version of the “StarNetv2CLI_MacOS” package (e.g., “StarNetv2CLI_MacOS-v2.0.7-macos-arm64.zip”).
2. Open the Terminal app: Search for “Terminal” in Spotlight and open it.

Installation:

1. Navigate to the Downloads folder: In the Terminal, type cd ~/Downloads and press Enter.
2. Extract the downloaded package: Type unzip StarNetv2CLI_MacOS-v2.0.7-macos-arm64.zip (replace the file name with the actual one you downloaded) and press Enter.
3. Move the files: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   mv StarNetv2CLI_MacOS/* ~/
   rm -rf StarNetv2CLI_MacOS
   

4. Make the executables executable: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   chmod +x ~/StarNetv2CLI_MacOS/run_starnet.sh
   chmod +x ~/StarNetv2CLI_MacOS/starnet++
   

5. (Optional) Test the installation: Try running the command ~/StarNetv2CLI_MacOS/starnet++ rgb_test.tif out.tif. If successful, you should see a file named “out.tif” created.

Configuring Siril:

1. Open Siril: Launch the Siril application.
2. Go to Preferences: Click on “Siril” in the menu bar and select “Preferences”.
3. Set the Starnet Location: Under the “Miscellaneous” tab, locate the “Software Location (starnet)” option. Click the “…” button and navigate to the folder you created earlier (e.g., “~/StarNetv2CLI_MacOS”). Select the folder and click “Open”.
4. Save and restart: Click “Save” in the Preferences window and restart Siril.

Now, you should be able to use Starnet within Siril to remove stars from your astrophotography images!

That’s it! You have now Installed Starnet on Siril on Mac M1 and can use it to process your astrophotography images.

Where can I see Milkway in Switzerland with the naked eye?

1. Aletsch Glacier

Located in the Jungfrau region, the Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The high altitude and remote location make it an excellent spot for stargazing. Find a viewpoint overlooking the glacier, away from light pollution, and witness the Milky Way stretching across the night sky.

2. Gurnigel Pass

3. Grindelwald

4. Engadine Valley

5. Val Müstair

There are several stargazing spots near Munich where you can enjoy the night sky. Here are a few options:

1. Winklmoos-Alm

Located in the Chiemgau Alps, Winklmoos-Alm is a certified International Dark Sky Park. It offers excellent conditions for stargazing due to its remote location and minimal light pollution. This is one of the best stargazing spots near Munich. 

Driving:

It is 115 km from Munich to Winklmoos-Alm and takes about 1 hour 46 minutes to drive. You can take the A8 motorway to reach Winklmoos-Alm. directions

Hiking:

Yes, hiking is required to reach Winklmoos-Alm for stargazing. The hike is about 3.5 km long and takes about 1 hour to complete. There are several different trails that you can take, but the most popular one is the Winklmoosbahn trail.

The Winklmoosbahn trail starts at the Winklmoosbahn cable car station and ascends to the Winklmoos-Alm mountain station. From the mountain station, you can continue hiking to the Winklmoos-Alm Almhütte, which is a great place to enjoy a meal and drinks with a view of the stars.

Public transport:

There is no public transport that goes directly to Winklmoos-Alm. However, you can take a train to Reit im Winkl and then take a taxi or bus to Winklmoos-Alm. The total journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

2. Kochelsee

Kochelsee is a lake located about 60 kilometers south of Munich. It provides a tranquil setting for stargazing, away from the city lights.

The drive from Munich to Kochelsee is 74 km and takes about 1 hour and 3 minutes. You can take the A95 motorway to reach Kochelsee.Here are the directions: directions. Once you arrive at Kochelsee, there are several places where you can go stargazing. The Kochelsee Observatory is a great place to see the stars, and several hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints.

If you want to learn Milkyway Photography check out my Workshops: Milky Way Photography Workshop Munich

3. Ammersee

Ammersee is another lake located west of Munich. It offers beautiful views of the night sky and is a popular spot for stargazing reachable by public transport.  

Here are the directions to Ammersee from Munich using public transport: directions. The total distance is 66.6 km and the journey takes about 55 minutes.

Read Here:  How to plan a stargazing trip?

4. Wallberg

Wallberg is a mountain located near Tegernsee, about 50 kilometers south of Munich. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for stargazing.

Here are the driving and public transport directions to Wallberg from Munich:

Driving:

The drive from Munich to Wallberg is about 1 hour and 17 minutes. You can take the A8 motorway to reach Wallberg. Directions

Public transport:

The journey from Munich to Wallberg by public transport takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. You can take the S6 suburban train to Tegernsee station, then take the Wallbergbahn cable car to the top of the mountain. Directions

5. Hohenpeißenberg

Hohenpeißenberg is a mountain located in Upper Bavaria, about 70 kilometers southwest of Munich. It is home to an observatory and offers a clear view of the night sky.

To get to Hohenpeißenberg for stargazing, there are two options: Hiking: The König-Ludwig-Weg Stage 4: Hohenpeißenberg – Rottenbuch trail is an 8.1-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,003 ft. It is rated as moderate. Public transport: The journey takes 2 hours and 8 minutes and covers 74.6 km. You can take the S-Bahn S6 from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Hohenpeißenberg Bahnhof. From there, you can walk to the top of the mountain.

6. Sylventseinsee

The Sylvenstein reservoir, also called Sylvensteinstausee or simply Sylvensteinsee, is a reservoir in the Isarwinkel in the municipality of Lenggries, on the road from Bad Tölz to Achensee (federal road 307), about 12 km south of the town center of Lenggries. Here are the directions to Sylvensteinsee from Munich:

By car: It is 82.9 km and takes about 1 hour 23 minutes to drive from Munich to Sylvensteinsee via A8 and B13. See the directions here.

By public transport: There is no direct public transport to Sylvensteinsee from Munich. The closest train station is Lenggries, which is about 10 km away. From Lenggries, you can take a taxi or bus to Sylvensteinsee.

Here are some tips for stargazing:
– Choose a clear night with no moon. The best time to stargaze is when the sky is clear and there is no moon. The moon can wash out the fainter stars, so it’s best to avoid nights when the moon is full or nearly full.
– Get away from city lights. Light pollution from cities can make it difficult to see stars. The further you are away from city lights, the better your view of the stars will be.
– Bring a blanket or sleeping bag. It can get cold at night in the mountains, so it’s a good idea to bring a blanket or sleeping bag to stay warm.
– Be patient. It takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness, so be patient and don’t give up if you don’t see anything at first.

With a little planning, you can enjoy some incredible stargazing!

Remember to check the weather conditions and moon phases before heading out for stargazing. It’s also a good idea to bring warm clothing, a blanket or chair to sit on, and a star map or smartphone app to help identify constellations. 

“Europe is a great destination for stargazers, thanks to its low light pollution and clear night skies in some areas.
In this article, we will see Where can you see the Milky Way in Europe? If you’re looking for a chance to see the stunning Milky Way, here are some of the best places to go:

Read Also: Where can I see Milky Way in India?

Where can you see the Milky Way in Europe?

Milky Way over Hallstatt, Austria

The Milky Way, our home galaxy, is a breathtaking sight that can be seen in the night sky. While light pollution in cities makes it difficult to spot, there are still many places in Europe where stargazers can enjoy the beauty of the Milky Way. Here are some of the best spots to see the galaxy in Europe:

1. Pic du Midi Observatory in the French Pyrenees – This observatory offers the chance to see the Milky Way from one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees. The observatory is open to the public during the summer months and offers guided tours of the night sky.
2. La Palma, Canary Islands – This Spanish island offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in Europe. The island’s location in the Atlantic Ocean, away from light pollution, makes it a prime spot for viewing the Milky Way.
3. The Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales – The park is home to the Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the few places in Europe where the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye.
4. The Swiss Alps – The high altitude and clear air of the Swiss Alps make for excellent stargazing conditions. Many of the mountain towns and villages, such as Zermatt and St. Moritz, offer guided stargazing tours.
5. The Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve in Portugal – This reserve is the first of its kind in Europe and offers some of the best stargazing opportunities on the continent. The reserve is home to several observatories and stargazing tours.

Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a first-time viewer, the Milky Way is a must-see sight. These European locations offer the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the galaxy. So pack your telescope or binoculars and head out to one of these spots for a truly unforgettable experience.”

A popular destination for stargazers, it offers clear night skies. The Milky Way is the galaxy that includes our Solar System, with the name describing the galaxy’s appearance from Earth: a hazy band of light seen in the night sky formed from stars that the naked eye cannot individually distinguish. In this article, we will see where can we see Milky Way in India.

WHEN CAN I SEE THE MILKY WAY IN India?

You might also like: Where to see milky way in germany?

The best place to see the Milky Way in India is in areas with minimal light pollution. Some of the best spots for stargazing in India include:

Hanle Ladakh

Hanle is a small village located in the eastern Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and is one of the best places to see the Milky Way in India.

Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert valley located in the Himachal Pradesh region of India.A popular destination for stargazers, it offers clear night skies.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal is a hill station located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.

A popular stargazing destination, it is known for its clear nights.

The Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the Gujarat state of India. It is known for its clear night skies and is a popular destination for stargazers.

Sariska National Park, Rajasthan: Sariska National Park is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, it is a good spot for stargazing due to low light pollution and its dark skies. Please keep in mind that the best time to see the Milky Way is during the months of May to October, during the monsoon season. Also, while these places have low light pollution, it’s recommended to check the weather conditions and air quality before planning your trip.

The Milky Way is a breathtaking sight, but capturing its beauty in a photograph can be challenging. That’s why many photographers are turning to Milky Way workshops to learn the skills and techniques needed to capture stunning images of the galaxy.

Milky way Workshop Reit im Winkl

Price: 99 euros per person

Note: The Workshop will be in English.

Workshop Schedule

We will begin with an introduction to Astrophotography before setting up our equipment. We will then start by taking images during blue hour and learning how to get the best out of the equipment we own. Then when the time is right, the night is dark & the milky way comes out we will be ready to capture our images.

What will you learn?

• Basics of Astrophotography
• Framing Composition
• Tracking & Stacking
• Milky Way Panorama
• Foreground image and sky image
• Achieve Focus In Dark, Challenging Conditions
• How to stack multiple images to reduce noise
• Camera settings and techniques for capturing the Milky Way. This includes understanding ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, as well as how to focus and compose your shot.
• Planning your shoot. This includes learning about the best times of year and locations to photograph the Milky Way, as well as how to check for light pollution and weather conditions.

Other workshops: Milky Way Workshop

What’s not included?

• Transportation
• Parking fees
• Food and drinks
• Overnight stay
• No Insurance.

Equipment required

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
• Wide Angle lens with a large aperture ( at least 2.8 or bigger)
• Tripod
• Spare batteries
• Memory Cards
• Suitable Clothing
• Remote shutter release or intervalometer
• Headlamp or torch

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, a Milky Way workshop is a great way to improve your skills and capture stunning images of the galaxy. So why wait? Sign up for a workshop today and unleash your inner astronomer!”

Send a message on Instagram or WhatsApp or use the contact for booking/inquiry. Milky Way Workshop Munich

The Milky Way is the galaxy that includes our Solar System, with the name describing the galaxy’s appearance from Earth: a hazy band of light seen in the night sky formed from stars that cannot be individually distinguished by the naked eye.

When can I see the Milky way in Germany?

Milky Way is visible throughout the year but the Milky Way Galactic Center is only visible from February to October in Northern Hemisphere. From February to June the Milky Way Core is visible in the early morning and from July to August it is visible during the middle of the night and from September to October, it is visible in the evening.

Where to see Milky Way in Germany?

Germany is located in central Europe with lots of light pollution. You will need to drive to some dark place. You can use https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/ to check the dark location near you. The darker the best. Choose from Bortle class 4 or less to see Milkyway core with the naked eye. Please allow at least 15-20 to adjust your eyes for the dark.

If you have an interest in taking Milky Way Photography Workshops please use this link to book one.
Milky Way Workshop

1. Westhavelland: the first Dark Sky Park in Germany

The Dark Sky Reserve consists of a mix of 750 square kilometers of public and private land within the park.

https://www.sternenpark-westhavelland.de/

2. Winkl-Moosalm

Winkl-Moosalm is located in Chiemhau Alps at 1200 meters altitude. It’s one of my favorite locations for stargazing. In Winklmoosalm you will have a 360-degree panoramic view.
In Winklmooslam there will be guided tours mostly in the summers. If you are interested in learning interesting facts about space, you should take a Public Star tour.For more information use this link:  https://www.abenteuer-sterne.de/oeffentliche-sternfuehrungen/

3. Rhön Biosphere Reserve

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön is an international star park. The Rhön is not only impressive in daylight as a land of open spaces, but also at night. Located in the center of Germany and with a relatively sparse population, you can still experience natural night landscapes with a star-filled sky.

https://www.biosphaerenreservat-rhoen.de/natur/sternenpark-rhoen/

4. Eifel National Park

With its star-filled night sky, Eifel National Park qualified as a Dark Sky Park in 2014. Ten years after its founding, this large protected area obtained significant recognition from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). In 2010, together with the region, Cologne astronomer Harald Bardenhagen began preparations to establish a protected area for the night sky: “The Eifel National Park region is one of the few locations in Germany where it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

https://www.nationalpark-eifel.de/en/experience-national-park/dark-sky-park/

The Move shoot move star tracker is a compact tool for astronomers. Polar alignment is super easy and fast with Move shoot move thanks to its laser pointer. When it comes to long exposures, polar alignment is crucial.

Move shoot is a 2-in-1-star tracker and timelapse rotator. You can create a beautiful time-lapse also with a move shoot move.

Why do we need a Star Tracker?

Star trackers allow you to take longer exposures of the Milky Way or stars. In general, I shoot 3-4 minute exposures, which allows me to lower my ISO to 800, which means that my pictures of the stars are crisp and detailed without trailing. 

Why Move shoot Move Star Tracker?

Move shoot Move (MSM) is a compact star rotator and timelapse rotator. It is lightweight and easy to set up. Move shoot Move (MSM) is best for wide-angle star tracking for a focal range of up to 50 mm ( from my experience). The maximum capacity of MSM is 305mm lens and 3kg weight capacity. Some people also tried Samyang 135 mm and it works well. I will try out Samyang 136 mm in the future and update my review. It’s super handy and compact to carry with you while going on hiking trips.

One of the main advantages of the MSM star tracker is its affordability, making it accessible to amateur photographers who want to experiment with astrophotography without breaking the bank. In addition, it has a simple and user-friendly design, so beginners can easily set it up and use it.

Limitations

The device has, however, been reported to be unstable and precise by some users, especially when using long lenses or in windy conditions. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the device’s settings and controls may take some time.

Check out my astrophotography gallery