In this detailed tutorial series, Telescope Live Co-Founder Alexander Curry walks you through the process of manually pre-processing astronomical data in SIRIL. Alex provides an in-depth guide for pre-processing and stacking data using manual techniques, perfect for situations where standard scripts may not apply. This tutorial looks at a narrowband dataset, however this workflow can be applied to any dataset. The tutorial is divided into three focused parts: Part 1: Manual Pre-Processing Setup -Learn how to set up symbolic links for your data sequences. -Start by organizing and preparing H-alpha and OIII data for manual processing. Part 2: Calibration, Registration, and Data Analysis -Dive into manual calibration and global star alignment for accurate data registration. -Analyze your dataset for any frames that may need exclusion based on full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) readings. Part 3: Stacking, Compositing, and Final Alignment -Perform manual stacking using advanced algorithms. -Create an RGB composite and ensure proper RGB channel alignment for your final image. Alex’s clear and methodical approach ensures that you can confidently apply these techniques to produce stunning astrophotography results, even when standard workflows fall short.

In this tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Nik Szymanek explores the powerful sharpening tools available in Affinity Photo to enhance astronomical images. While Affinity Photo lacks true deconvolution capabilities, Nik will demonstrate how to use the Unsharp Mask, High Pass, and Clarity filters to simulate convolution and improve image sharpness effectively. Using a stunning image of the galaxy NGC 5128, he will guide you through each tool's settings, showing how to bring out fine details and contrast. Nik will also explain how to integrate RC Astro's Star Exterminator to remove stars before applying sharpening filters. By combining these techniques, you can achieve impressive results, enhancing details like the jet from the galaxy's nucleus and the star shells from a galactic collision.

In this tutorial, Telescope Live tutor and Masters of Pixinsight presents a creative solution for recovering astrophotography images lacking flat field calibration. When faced with dust motes and other issues, Warren demonstrates using Pixel Math in PixInsight to apply a different master flat to a master light after initial calibration. Through a specific Pixel Math expression, he shows how to reduce star artefacts and correct gradients, turning an unusable image into a viable one. Warren’s method provides a practical tip for handling emergencies in astrophotography processing.

In this comprehensive tutorial, Telescope Live tutor Ryan Voykin walks you through a streamlined and effective method for combining LRGB channels using Astro Pixel Processor (APP). Ryan demonstrates the unique channel combination process in APP, which allows for the integration of up to nine different channels, including HA LRGB and SHO combinations. He highlights APP’s efficiency, from faster stacking compared to PixInsight to versatile auto-stretch options. This tutorial also covers step-by-step instructions for loading data, generating master files, and utilizing APP’s various tools to clean up and enhance your images. With practical tips and a user-friendly workflow, Ryan shows how APP can simplify and significantly improve your astrophotography processing.