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Detail Enhancement in Photoshop: Sharpening Techniques
Detail Enhancement in Photoshop: Sharpening Techniques
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New Tutorials
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Resampling Large Datasets in PixInsight
Resampling Large Datasets in PixInsight
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In this tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Nik Szymanek demonstrates how to efficiently resample large astrophotography datasets using PixInsight, making advanced processing more manageable on lower-spec systems. Working with 119MB sub-exposures from a QHY-600M CMOS camera, Nik shows how to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Key steps include:
Setting Up ImageContainer and Output Directory:
- Load full-size files into PixInsight’s ImageContainer and configure a dedicated output folder for resampled images.
Using the Re-sample Process:
- Open a reference image, input scaling values (e.g. 60%), and preserve aspect ratio to downscale the dataset to half its original size.
Executing the Batch Resample:
- Drag the ImageContainer into the Re-sample tool, monitor the resampling process, and manage minor warnings about astrometric data.
Post-Resample Integration:
- Combine the resampled images into SHO masters and apply tools like Blur Exterminator and Star Exterminator with improved speed and efficiency.
This tutorial offers a clear, repeatable workflow for reducing data overhead while maintaining processing quality.
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Our tutors
Alexander Curry
European based amateur astrophotographer, Co-Founder of Telescope Live and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Astrophotographer
- Editor
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Mark Johnston
I have been fascinated by the night sky since I ‘discovered’ Saturn with my 60mm refractor at the age of 10. An APOD-winning astrophotographer, I have been published in Sky & Telescope, Astronomy Magazine, and Space.com. As a NASA Solar System Ambassador, I have conducted thousands of public outreach programs and am a registered cruise ship speaker on astronomy and space science, as well as a Director of the Phoenix Astronomical Society. I frequently post astrophotography images, news, and tutorials on social media. My solar imaging and videos are particularly popular, and I have conducted extensive research on solar cameras and solar image processing techniques.
- Astrophotographer
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Adam Block
FastTrack your understanding of the HOW and WHY of astronomical image processing with renowned Adam Block.
- Astrophotographer
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Mustafa Aydın
An astrophotographer with 8+ years of experience and an almost lifelong background in general photography.
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Stellar Xperiences
Three astrophotographers with 30 years’ combined experience in photography and 20 years’ experience in astronomy.
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James Ritson
UK-based photographer and image retoucher working with Affinity Photo
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Jarmo Ruuth
Amateur astrophotographer, author of AutoIntegrate and Astro Mosaic.
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Ryan Voykin
US Based Amateur Astrophotographer and Creator of the YouTube Channel DarkRangersInc.
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Damian Peach
A multi-award winning astrophotographer with over 25yrs experience.
- Astrophotographer
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Masters of PixInsight
Join MoP's team for streamlined PixInsight expertise, ensuring clarity and simplicity.
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Peter Jenkins
Amateur Astrophotographer & Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society specialising in Nebulae mostly presented using the Hubble Palette
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Warren Keller
A US-based, multi-APOD imager and author with over twenty years' experience.
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Bernard Miller
A US-based, multi-APOD astrophotographer with over twelve years of experience in deep sky imaging
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The Ultimate Astrophotography Toolkit for Beginners
The Ultimate Astrophotography Toolkit for Beginners
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Introducing the Ultimate Astrophotography Toolkit for Beginners: a FREE Video Series That Will Open the Gates to the World of Astrophotography - No Experience Needed
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ATTENTION: To download the Siril scripts, scroll down this page till the specification list. You will find the download button under “Associated dataset”. Now click on the Download button. You will be redirected you will be redirected to our forum where you can download the zip file of the scripts. Follow the instructions contained in part 2 of this video series to learn how to use them on Siril.
Part 1: SIRIL is the most powerful tool for both new and veteran astrophotographers, in addition to being free and open source it has many tools and features that make it ideal for astrophotographers getting started. In this video we’re going to download SIRIL and pick out a suitable one-click observation to download. It’s everything you need to get started with this tutorial series.
Part 2: Scripts are a very important part of processing your Telescope Live images, this video will show you how to easily integrate scripts into your SIRIL workflow to make registering and stacking your Telescope Live images much easier. Additionally we will have a look at the various framing tools and different types of data that these scripts can work with.
Part 3: One thing every astrophotographer needs to know is histogram manipulation. In this video we will look at two different methods for histogram manipulation to get the most information out of your data. This video will take the newly created colour images (thanks to the scripts) and turn them from a few stars into a magnificent astrophoto.
Part 4: After you’ve brought your image to life with some histogram stretches, you’re going to want to make sure your image is colour accurate. This video will show you how to process the green noise out of hubble palette images, as well as a colour correction method that can be applied to all astro images. Finally we will enhance the saturation to enrich the colours within your image.
Part 5: A quick sidestep here to StarNet ++; this powerful tool allows you to completely remove the stars from any nebulae image. While it is personal preference, in this tutorial we’re going to be applying this process to our image to focus solely on the nebulosity.
Part 6: Finally to wrap up, we’re going to look at a very easy to use sharpening tool to further enhance the details in your astro image. This powerful tool is very easy to use and can be used for most astro images. Finally we’re going to crop and frame our image to a region of interest and post it on the Telescope Live gallery.
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Generalized Hyperbolic Stretch - An Improved Way to Stretch Your Images in Pixinsight
Generalized Hyperbolic Stretch - An Improved Way to Stretch Your Images in Pixinsight
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Generalized Hyperbolic Stretch or GHS is a Pixinsight script designed to give you a new and improved approach to stretching your astrophotography images in Pixinsight. Adam Block will cover installing the script & module, the basics of the interface, the core principles of GHS, and the several use cases for this script.
To install GHS, follow the instructions below:
1) From within Pixinsight, go to: Resources > Updates > Manage Repositories
2) In the Manage Update Repositories dialog, click the Add button
3) In the URL box, type the GHS repository information as follows: https://www.ghsastro.co.uk/updates/
4) In the Add Pixinsight Repository dialog, click the OK button
5) In the Manage Update Repositories dialog, click the OK button
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All Tutorials
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Efficient Resampling and SHO Integration in Astro Pixel Processor
In this tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Nik Szymanek demonstrates how to reduce file sizes and streamline processing by resampling large datasets in Astro Pixel Processor (APP). Using an SHO dataset of the Eta Carina Nebula captured with Telescope Live’s FSQ-106 and QHY-600M setup, Nik outlines a practical workflow for handling high-resolution data on less powerful machines. Key steps include:
Batch Resampling Workflow:
- Learn how to reduce full-size FITS images using APP’s Batch Rotate & Resize tool, applying a scale factor to preserve detail while enabling more efficient processing.
Workaround for FITS Header Quirk:
- Understand how resampling can affect filter metadata, and learn how to correctly reload and organize H-alpha, OIII, and SII files to avoid stacking errors.
SHO Integration and RGB Combination:
- Create master frames for each channel and combine them using the Hubble SHO palette. The tutorial also includes tips for resolving filter recognition issues in APP.
This tutorial provides a clear method for balancing quality and performance in large-scale astrophotography projects.
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Beginner-Friendly Gradient Removal and Denoising with GraXpert
In this tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Nik Szymanek introduces the latest version of GraXpert, a free AI-powered tool for astrophotographers. Nik demonstrates how to process a dataset of NGC 660 using GraXpert’s intuitive workflow, including gradient correction, deconvolution, and denoising. Key steps include:
Interface Overview and Setup:
- Install GraXpert, download required AI models, and prepare your image with basic cropping to remove dithering artefacts.
Gradient Removal with AI Background Extraction:
- Use the AI mode for a simplified alternative to PixInsight’s DBE, with sigma and saturation controls for fine-tuning.
Deconvolution and Denoising:
- Apply AI-based deconvolution and denoising with recommended starting values, using preview modes to compare results.
Saving and Exporting:
- Save the final image in 32-bit FITS or 16-bit TIFF format, optionally retaining the applied stretch for further editing in Photoshop or Affinity Photo.
Nik’s walkthrough shows how GraXpert can streamline core astrophotography tasks with minimal complexity.
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Advanced Star Reduction in PixInsight - A Practical Guide
In this tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Bernard Miller presents a powerful star reduction technique using a dedicated PixInsight script that offers superior results to Photoshop’s minimum filter. Designed to reduce star size while preserving structure and colour, the workflow combines StarXTerminator with a custom Star Reduction script. Key steps include:
Preparing the Data:
- Remove stars from a cloned image using StarXTerminator, preserving the original as a reference.
- Install the custom Star Reduction script via PixInsight’s Manage Repositories menu.
Running the Script:
- Choose from four reduction methods—Transfer, Halo, Star, and Lightness—with Transfer offering the best balance between star color, size, and spikes.
- Fine-tune reduction strength using the stretch factor, and apply optional small star protection and reverse stretch for better color retention.
Post-Processing Enhancements:
- Correct residual magenta star colour using the built-in PixInsight utility.
- Finish with optional noise reduction and final edits in Photoshop for optimal presentation.
This tutorial provides an effective, flexible approach to star reduction that enhances nebular detail while retaining star characteristics.
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SHO Green Colour Adjustment Tools Using PixInsight and Affinity Photo
In this tutorial, Co-Founder of Telescope Live, Alexander Curry, demonstrates advanced techniques for adjusting the green tint in SHO images to achieve a balanced and natural-looking color palette. He explores different approaches in PixInsight and Affinity Photo, comparing Narrowband Normalization, PixelMath Dynamic Narrowband Combinations, and Selective Color Adjustments. Key topics include:
Narrowband Normalization in PixInsight (https://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-process-narrowbandnormalization.21441/)
- Install and configure the Narrowband Normalization script to fine-tune the balance between Sulfur II (SII), Hydrogen Alpha (Ha), and Oxygen III (OIII).
- Adjust boost and shadow point sliders to control color dominance while maintaining structural depth.
Mathematical Color Adjustments with PixelMath (https://thecoldestnights.com/2020/06/pixinsight-dynamic-narrowband-combinations-with-pixelmath/)
- Use PixelMath for precise SHO channel adjustments to refine color blending without artificial shifts.
- Apply equations to dynamically modify the green contribution while preserving gold and blue hues.
Refining Colors in Affinity Photo
- Utilize the Selective Color tool to manually tweak greens, cyans, and magentas for a more aesthetically pleasing image.
- Adjust hue and saturation non-destructively to fine-tune the final color output.
This tutorial provides a structured approach to achieving professional SHO color balance, combining automated calibration, mathematical processing, and creative manual refinement.