ZWO Seestar introduces EQ mode update: Better tracking and stacking

Seestar S50 and S30, the innovative smart telescopes from ZWO, have been revolutionizing how amateur and professional astronomers capture celestial wonders. With its compact design, automated features, and powerful imaging capabilities, Seestar has already gained a strong following. Now, with its latest software update version 3.88 introducing EQ Mode, the telescopes take a major leap forward in terms of tracking precision and astrophotography potential.

Understanding EQ Mode in Seestar

Before diving into the details of Seestar’s new EQ Mode, it’s essential to understand the difference between Alt-Azimuth (AZ) and Equatorial (EQ) tracking systems in telescopes.

EQ Mode, short for Equatorial Tracking Mode, is a method of tracking celestial objects by compensating for Earth’s rotation. In EQ Mode, the telescope aligns itself with the celestial pole and moves in a single axis, following the apparent motion of stars across the sky. This is particularly useful for long-exposure astrophotography, as it eliminates field rotation—a common issue with alt-azimuth mounts.

Before the update, Seestar primarily used an Alt-Azimuth (AZ) tracking system, which moves in two axes—altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). While this is great for visual observation and short-exposure imaging, it introduces field rotation over long durations.

With the introduction of EQ Mode, Seestar users can now minimize field rotation by tilting the telescope to simulate an equatorial mount’s behavior. This is a game-changer for astrophotography, as it allows for longer exposures with better image clarity. However, one will require an equatorial wedge to take advantage of this feature.

Technical Advantages of EQ Mode

Here are some of the advantages of an EQ mode over an Alt-Az mode:

• Longer Exposure Times: With field rotation minimized, Seestar users can now push exposure times beyond previous limits. Longer exposures allow for capturing fainter details in deep-sky objects, improving the signal-to-noise ratio in astrophotography.
• Improved Star Tracking Accuracy: By simulating equatorial movement, Seestar’s software ensures smoother star tracking, reducing the risk of elongated stars due to tracking errors.
• Better Stacking Performance: Astrophotographers often stack multiple images to improve detail and reduce noise. With EQ Mode’s improved alignment, stacked images will have fewer distortions, leading to sharper final images.
• Enhanced Planetary Imaging: While planetary imaging primarily relies on short exposures, more stable tracking in EQ Mode allows for better alignment and frame selection, improving the final quality of planetary photos.
• Increased Compatibility with External Software: Many astrophotography tools, such as DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight, perform better when input images have minimal field rotation. Seestar’s new tracking mode ensures cleaner, more usable data for post-processing.

Real-World Performance: EQ Mode in Action

Initial reports from Seestar users who have tested EQ Mode highlight significant improvements in imaging quality. Here’s what early adopters have observed:

• Sharper Deep-Sky Images – Objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula show more detail and less motion blur.
• Better Star Shape Preservation – Stars remain rounder and more defined, even in stacked images.
• Reduced Post-Processing Corrections – With less field rotation, astrophotographers spend less time fixing alignment issues in editing software.
• Easier Tracking for Time-Lapse Astronomy – Tracking smoother star movement allows for more seamless time-lapse sequences of celestial events.

The introduction of EQ Mode marks a significant milestone for Seestar users. By improving tracking accuracy, extending exposure times, and minimizing field rotation, this update makes deep-sky astrophotography more accessible and rewarding. While it may not fully replace a dedicated equatorial mount, Seestar’s EQ Mode offers an easy-to-use solution that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly operation and advanced imaging capabilities. For astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers looking to push the limits of their Seestar telescope, this update is a game-changer. With EQ Mode, capturing breathtaking images of the cosmos has never been easier.

Clear skies!