Astronomical Image Processing

I have processed astronomical images since 2003, learning along the way through self-learning and workshops, and improving my image acquisition methodologies and equipment.

Methodology

Deep sky objects – I normally take light, dark and flat frames using either a dSLR or cooled CCD astronomical imager. I rarely take bias frames, since they contribute minimal improvements to resultant images. Original images are exposed to ensure the histogram indicates sufficient data to successfully support stacking of multiple images.  If using a cooled CCD imager, I make use of the Pelletier cooler to reduce the sensor temperature by at least 20°C, which improves the noise levels immensely.

Solar System objects – I use video frames, single shot exposures, and sequential exposures to image the Sun, Moon, planets and comets.

Setup of my imaging hardware varies widely, so I won’t describe that here.

Software

  • PixInsight is my main image processing software as of 2019. This comprehensive software developed by the Spanish company Pleiades Astrophoto provides specialized tools to process astronomical image data in ways not found in other products, so I decided to climb the rather steep learning curve to become proficient in using the basic features. There is no doubt when reprocessing my images with PixInsight that more detail is revealed with much less resultant noise, and the images overall look much-improved. PixInsight does everything ImagesPlus did for me in the past, and offers a hugely-expanded feature set to explore going forward as I progress from my current “beginner” status.
  • ImagesPlus was my main image processing software since 2003 to process the raw files through to a useable resultant image. Mike Unsold created this software about the same time I started imaging the night sky. ImagesPlus is optimized to work with large datasets, large format files, and uses hard drive storage efficiently. I have been very pleased with the advances in the software, so I have supported Mike in his efforts by purchasing updates as he released them. He has never released a buggy version of his software – a testament to his conservative approach to software development. ImagesPlus supports both astronomical and consumer dSLR camera raw formats directly, but works in the FITS format internally, and produces FITS as a resultant processed image. I have tried other astronomical image processing software along the way, but I always consider ImagesPlus to be the trusted tool to process my night sky images.
  • ACDSee Photo Studio is the software I transitioned to in 2019 (from Adobe Lightroom) to manage my extensive astronomical image datasets. I also use the integrated Develop module to finish most of the resultant astronomical images generated from the specialized software listed above.
  • Other software – I make use of other software on occasion to manage noise, file conversion and development, image acquisition using a computer/USB connection, planning imaging sessions, and more.

Processing logs – I keep notes of everything I do to produce my final results, so I can learn from my mistakes, document new approaches that are successful, and simply to refresh my memory when I haven’t processed a particular type of image for awhile.