StarTools

This is a 13X300s@1600iso shot of M1 (80mm APO Orion refractor) that I am trying to process. Obviously the nebula is overexposed and there is an overall reddish cast to the stars and background (the camera is a modded Canon 40D.). If possible, how do I correct? Thanks.
Michael

Hi,

This one is tough to comment on without the data available. Any chance you could share it so I can have a closer look? Thanks!

I would be more than happy to, Ivo. What would you like exactly?
Michael

mhamburg wrote:I would be more than happy to, Ivo. What would you like exactly?
Michael

Any chance you could share the stacked image (e.g. the FITS or TIFF file you open in StarTools) with me through Dropbox, Google Drive or similar?

I will try as soon as I get the chance.
Michael
ps I sent the fits via DropBox (I think?)

Hi Ivo,
Did you ever get that stack?
Michael

mhamburg wrote:Hi Ivo,
Did you ever get that stack?
Michael

I'm afraid not... How did you share it with me? Did you send me a PM or e-mail the link?

I thought I did via Dropbox, but it obviously didn't work. I will try again.
Michael

I ran the .tif file through StarTools once more and got this result which I think came out better.
Michael

Thanks, I finally got the data!

As a side note, you need to start taking flats! It'll really help improve your images.

To avoid over exposure of the object of interest, use the AutoDev modules' Region Of Interest feature; click & drag a rectangle over (part of) M1 until you're happy with the resulting stretch;
Decon can be applied and the HDR module's Reveal algorithm may help as well (you may have to tweak the detail size range for very small objects).

Finally, as in every other good work flow, launch the Color module before switching Tracking off. You'll hopefully end up with something likes this (before noise reduction);
Hope this helps!