StarTools

Ive imaged M42 for a number of years now and never bothered to expose the core ( Trap ) in my images, but I thinks its high time I learnt how to do it
I image with a 2600MC OSC camera and both 6" and 8" newts, stack with DSS and process with Startools 1.6
I assume you capture 2 lots of data ( long exposure 2 to 5 minute subs as required ) and short exposure ( 10 to 20 sec subs ) then stack them separately to end up with 2 stacked files ready for processing in Startools
Ive read a bit about using the Layer module for M42 but never used it
Does anyone have a brief workflow on how to expose the core of M42 or even a step by step procedure on the Layer module to achieve an exposed M42 core
Appreciate any assistance with the above
Thanks

Startrek wrote: ↑Tue Dec 01, 2020 3:50 am Ive imaged M42 for a number of years now and never bothered to expose the core ( Trap ) in my images, but I thinks its high time I learnt how to do it
I image with a 2600MC OSC camera and both 6" and 8" newts, stack with DSS and process with Startools 1.6
I assume you capture 2 lots of data ( long exposure 2 to 5 minute subs as required ) and short exposure ( 10 to 20 sec subs ) then stack them separately to end up with 2 stacked files ready for processing in Startools

Spot-on. Just make sure both stacks are aligned (e.g. use one stack as a reference frame when you stack the other).
Then you process both as normal, separately.
Then, once you are read to combine in the Layer module with

This ancient video (YouTube removed all annotations a few years ago ) shows two stacks being combined. The 'Min Distance to 1/2 Unity' filter will do the combining.

Hope this helps!

Thanks Ivo
I’ll try it when we get some clear skies here in Sydney and capture some decent data
Cheers
Martin