Yes—within limits, you can get simple night-sky shots with an IXUS 70.

The most useful upgrade mentioned is CHDK, which can add longer exposures, exposure bracketing, and RAW capture on supported Canon compacts. That gives you more control and better files for post-processing.

For shooting:

• Stabilize the camera with a bean bag or small flexible support like a Gorillapod.
• Use the self-timer/delayed shutter to avoid shake.
• Use manual exposure if available through CHDK.
• Set focus manually to a distant point so the camera doesn’t hunt in the dark.
• Expect to work with longer exposures and shoot multiple frames to improve your chances.

A full tripod isn’t essential if you can support the camera securely, though any stable support helps.

If you also want foreground landscape in long night exposures, a filter adapter was suggested, though the key gain for astrophotography is really stable support, long exposure control, and RAW capture.

Realistically, this camera won’t match a larger-sensor interchangeable-lens setup, but you should still be able to capture bright stars, constellations, and simple night scenes if you keep the camera steady and use the added manual controls.