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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.
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.
Enhance your Siril Post-Processing with GIMP
In this tutorial series, Telescope Live Co-Founder Alexander Curry explores GIMP, a free and powerful image editor, as an alternative to paid software like Photoshop and Affinity Photo. He demonstrates how GIMP can be used alongside SIRIL to enhance astrophotography images. Key topics covered include:
GIMP Interface and Essential Tools:
- Navigate the workspace, customize dockable dialogues, and understand layer management.
- Explore color correction, histogram adjustments, and selection tools.
Integrating GIMP with SIRIL:
- Perform initial stacking, star removal, and background calibration in SIRIL.
- Use GIMP for color balancing, noise reduction, and selective enhancements.
Final Adjustments and Star Recomposition:
- Reintegrate stars, refine contrast, and apply sharpening filters.
- Utilize GIMP’s built-in noise reduction and color grading tools for finishing touches.
This tutorial provides an accessible yet powerful approach to astrophotography editing using free software.
Multi-Camera Final Refinements in Affinity Photo: NGC 6744 Processing
In this final part of the NGC 6744 tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Nik Szymanek completes the image processing workflow by applying cosmetic corrections and color refinements in Affinity Photo. Key steps include:
Combining Luminance and RGB for LRGB Processing:
- Convert the luminance image to a 16-bit RGB file and merge it with the RGB image for enhanced detail.
- Flatten the image and export it as a high-quality TIFF file.
Gradient Removal and Star Integration:
- Extract stars using PixInsight’s Star Exterminator and process them separately.
- Use Graxpert AI for automatic background gradient removal before reintroducing stars.
Final Color and Detail Enhancements:
- Apply Tone Mapping for subtle contrast boosts in the galaxy without affecting the background.
- Use Selective Color and Clarity tools to refine spiral arm structures and highlight Hα regions.
This final stage brings out the full depth and color of NGC 6744, wrapping up a comprehensive multi-software workflow.