Seestar Companion and Universal FITS: not only for Seestar data
How Seestar Companion uses Universal FITS mode to analyze any valid FITS dataset, not only Seestar folders.
The real problem is selection
Small telescope workflows can create a lot of FITS frames quickly. The difficult part is not always getting data; it is understanding which data deserves to be stacked.
Seestar Companion focuses on that decision layer. It reads the session, classifies frames, explains issues and helps you decide what to keep, what to reject and what to process next.
Universal FITS changes the scope
Although the product is designed around Seestar workflows, Universal FITS mode means it is not limited to Seestar folders. Any valid FITS dataset can be inspected when the goal is session quality, frame quality and stacking guidance.
That makes Seestar Companion useful as a compact FITS analysis tool: quick enough for the field, structured enough for archive work and practical enough before sending data into a heavier processing workflow.
How to use it well
Load the session, read the verdict, then inspect the timeline and frame diagnostics before acting. If the recommendation is strong, prepare the frame list or cleanup workflow.
The best result comes when the app is treated as a decision assistant, not a magic score. It gives evidence; the astrophotographer still decides the final workflow.
Where to go next
If this topic matches your workflow, the next step is to choose the tool that fits the job. Astro Imaging Toolbox is the broader Windows suite for planning, analysis, stacking support and reporting. Seestar Companion is the focused product for Seestar and Universal FITS session decisions.