Video: M42 H-alpha High Dynamic Range composite processing

[admin]

Apply the color module to each stack before switching Tracking off for each stack. Take note of the red, green and blue ratios. If all is well, they should not vary much between stacks, but it's probably a good idea to stick with the same ratios.
You have oodles of detail in there, but I do notice the resulting image is quite noisy. I also notice clear stacking artifacts still present in the data - that's a big no-no!

I'd love to see the log for this, thanks!

[trobbet]

Ivo.

I so appreciate your help with this, and I want to reprocess this image using your suggestions, but I'm having a problem figuring out where I should further crop the starting image stacks, as I don't see where I missed additional stacking artifacts. I first cropped the 2 stacks in Nebulosity to the point where I could not see any more artifacts, but when I did Wipe on the resulting Long stack, I got ripples of major noise coming from the bottom of image, so I cut additional width from the bottom of both stacks until I no longer got those ripples. Because, I can't see what you are seeing, would it be possible to tell me if I should crop further from the Bottom, Top, Right or Left, and approximately how much? Better yet, how can I learn to see this myself?
Hopefully, this isn't asking for too much, as I sincerely appreciate your time on this already.

Best, Tom

[trobbet]

Here's the log from the current image in case this helps. Also, I will be happy to delete the old logs I have included to tidy up this thread if need be.

StarTools 1.3.5.279
Mon Apr 14 20:23:54 2014
-----------------------------------------------------------
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/NEB J 1 Folder m 42 short/M 42 Long cropped b.fit].
---
--- Bin
Parameter [Scale] set to [(scale/noise reduction 50.00%)/(400.00%)/(+2.00 bits)]
--- Develop
Parameter [White Calibration] set to [Use Stars]
Parameter [Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Skyglow] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Digital Development] set to [85.00 %]
Parameter [Blue Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Green Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Red Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Headroom] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [5.0 pixels]

-----------------------------------------------------------
StarTools 1.3.5.279
Mon Apr 14 20:46:35 2014
-----------------------------------------------------------
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/NEB J 1 Folder m 42 short/M 42 Long cropped c.fit].
---
--- Bin
Parameter [Scale] set to [(scale/noise reduction 50.00%)/(400.00%)/(+2.00 bits)]
--- Develop
Parameter [White Calibration] set to [Use Stars]
Parameter [Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Skyglow] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Digital Development] set to [86.41 %]
Parameter [Blue Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Green Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Red Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Headroom] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [5.0 pixels]
--- Wipe
Parameter [Mode] set to [Correct Color & Brightness]
Parameter [UNKNOWN] set to [Yes]
Parameter [Precision] set to [256 x 256 pixels]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [1 pixels]
Parameter [Drop Off Point] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Corner Aggressiveness] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Aggressiveness] set to [75 %]
--- Develop
Parameter [White Calibration] set to [Use Stars]
Parameter [Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Skyglow] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Digital Development] set to [90.00 %]
Parameter [Blue Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Green Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Red Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Headroom] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [5.0 pixels]
--- HDR
Parameter [Small Detail Precision] set to [Max]
Parameter [Channels] set to [Brightness Only]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Equalize]
Parameter [Dark/Bright Response] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Detail Size Range] set to [21 pixels]
Parameter [Noise Suppression] set to [Off]
--- Wavelet Sharpen
Parameter [Intelligent Enhance] set to [Yes]
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [6.0 pixels]
Parameter [Amount] set to [201 %]
Parameter [Small Detail Bias] set to [75 %]
--- Deconvolution
Parameter [Image Type] set to [Deep Space]
Parameter [Mask Behavior] set to [De-ring Mask Gaps, Hide Result]
Parameter [Radius] set to [2.6 pixels]
Parameter [Iterations] set to [6]
Parameter [Regularization] set to [1.00 (optimal noise and detail)]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [8.0 pixels]
--- Wavelet De-Noise
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Scale Correlation] set to [3]
Parameter [Color Detail Loss] set to [12 %]
Parameter [Brightness Detail Loss] set to [12 %]
Parameter [Redistribution Kernel] set to [4.5 pixels]
Parameter [Read Noise Compensation] set to [Off]
Parameter [Smoothness] set to [75 %]
File saved [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 Long c .tiff].
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/NEB J 1 Folder m 42 short/m 42 short cropped c.fit].
---
--- Bin
Parameter [Scale] set to [(scale/noise reduction 50.00%)/(400.00%)/(+2.00 bits)]
--- Develop
Parameter [White Calibration] set to [Use Stars]
Parameter [Gamma] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Skyglow] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Digital Development] set to [92.88 %]
Parameter [Blue Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Green Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Red Luminance Contrib.] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Headroom] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Dark Anomaly Filter] set to [7.6 pixels]
--- HDR
Parameter [Small Detail Precision] set to [Max]
Parameter [Channels] set to [Brightness Only]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Equalize]
Parameter [Dark/Bright Response] set to [1.00]
Parameter [Detail Size Range] set to [21 pixels]
Parameter [Noise Suppression] set to [Off]
Undo.
--- Wavelet Sharpen
Parameter [Intelligent Enhance] set to [Yes]
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [8.0 pixels]
Parameter [Amount] set to [169 %]
Parameter [Small Detail Bias] set to [75 %]
--- Deconvolution
Parameter [Image Type] set to [Deep Space]
Parameter [Mask Behavior] set to [De-ring Mask Gaps, Hide Result]
Parameter [Radius] set to [2.0 pixels]
Parameter [Iterations] set to [6]
Parameter [Regularization] set to [1.00 (optimal noise and detail)]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [8.0 pixels]
--- HDR
Parameter [Small Detail Precision] set to [Max]
Parameter [Channels] set to [Brightness Only]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Reveal DSO Core]
Parameter [Dark/Bright Response] set to [Full]
Parameter [Detail Size Range] set to [64 pixels]
Parameter [Noise Suppression] set to [Off]
--- Wavelet De-Noise
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [90 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Scale Correlation] set to [3]
Parameter [Color Detail Loss] set to [12 %]
Parameter [Brightness Detail Loss] set to [12 %]
Parameter [Redistribution Kernel] set to [4.5 pixels]
Parameter [Read Noise Compensation] set to [Off]
Parameter [Smoothness] set to [75 %]
File saved [/Users/trobbe/Documents/m 42 short c.tiff].
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 Long c .tiff].
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 Long c .tiff].
---
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/m 42 short c.tiff].
---
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 Long c .tiff].
---
--- Crop
Parameter [X1] set to [0 pixels]
Parameter [Y1] set to [0 pixels]
Parameter [X2] set to [2475 pixels (-25)]
Parameter [Y2] set to [1600 pixels (-75)]
File loaded [/Users/trobbe/Documents/m 42 short c.tiff].
--- Layer
Parameter [Layer Mode] set to [Blend]
Parameter [Cap Mode] set to [Clip]
Parameter [Brightness Mask Mode] set to [Off]
Parameter [Filter Type] set to [Max Contrast]
Parameter [Blend Amount] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Kernel Radius] set to [51.0 pixels]
Parameter [Offset X] set to [0.0 pixels]
Parameter [Offset Y] set to [0.0 pixels]
Parameter [Brightness Mask Power] set to [1.00]
File saved [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 35X 170 2475x1600 no color.tiff].
--- Color
Parameter [Cap Green] set to [To Yellow]
Parameter [Bias Slider Mode] set to [Sliders Increase Color Bias]
Parameter [Style] set to [Scientific (Color Constancy)]
Parameter [LRGB Method Emulation] set to [Straight CIELab Luminance Retention]
Parameter [Dark Saturation] set to [2.00]
Parameter [Bright Saturation] set to [Full]
Parameter [Saturation Amount] set to [300 %]
Parameter [Blue Bias Increase] set to [1.50]
Parameter [Green Bias Increase] set to [1.65]
Parameter [Red Bias Increase] set to [1.39]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
File saved [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 35X170 2475x1600 .tiff].
--- Wavelet Sharpen
Parameter [Intelligent Enhance] set to [Yes]
Parameter [Scale 1] set to [100 %]
Parameter [Scale 2] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Scale 3] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Scale 4] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Scale 5] set to [5 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Amount] set to [800 %]
Parameter [Small Detail Bias] set to [75 %]
--- Fractal Flux
Parameter [Brightness Mask Mode] set to [Off]
Parameter [Algorithm] set to [Modulate Unsharp Mask]
Parameter [Negative Flux] set to [0 %]
Parameter [Positive Flux] set to [500 %]
Parameter [Detail Filter] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Radius] set to [1.5 pixels]
Parameter [Filter Amount] set to [99 %]
Parameter [Mask Fuzz] set to [1.0 pixels]
Parameter [Brightness Mask Power] set to [1.00]
File saved [/Users/trobbe/Documents/M 42 35X170 2475x1600 B.tiff].

[admin]

I'm having a problem figuring out where I should further crop the starting image stacks, as I don't see where I missed additional stacking artifacts. ... Because, I can't see what you are seeing, would it be possible to tell me if I should crop further from the Bottom, Top, Right or Left, and approximately how much? Better yet, how can I learn to see this myself?

At the very top of the image, do you see the area (horizontal bar) where the background is black, after which a few pixels further down it becomes blueish all of a sudden?
It's those sort of artifacts can wreak havoc on StarTools' ability to get a good lock on the real background (which factors into a lot of decisions it makes).

The blue is (most likely) a remnant of a color bias/gradient that StarTools has left there, because it assumes that the black bit is the real background and that, therefore, the blue must be some sort of nebulosity. It has no way of knowing that the black bit is artifical and the blue is the real background. StarTools always makes the most conservative decision possible and would rather leave things in than removing things it shouldn't.

Your stacking solution should have an option that automatically crops the image so that only parts of the subs that overlap (e.g. for which pixels exist that are in *all* subs) are used in the final stack. This should avoid stacking artifacts.

Hopefully, this isn't asking for too much, as I sincerely appreciate your time on this already.

No worries, I'm here to help Tom - whatever you need to get you on your way!

[trobbet]

Here's my latest attempt:

http://astrob.in/90745/B/


Ivo,

You are very patient!!
I don't know how I did not see that black band across the top!

Anyhow, I recropped a few times, to get rid of stacking artifacts and get each stack in synch, then reprocessed in Startools with 2 main differences. 1) I used Isolate in the Life module, which I feel really helped the noise. 2) I used Color before Layer with each stack as you suggested using same quantities/qualities.

I tried doing a small detail sharpen as per tutorial, but it caused these clouds of noise for some reason, so I canceled that, but did include some "Fractal Flux".

I'm pleased with this result, but as always I am very open to suggestions.

Cheers, Tom

[admin]

OK, here's my current product, emulating with some personal interpretation the method used in the above tutorial. I did wait to add color after using Layers to combine the 2 stacks. I would love to hear comments... Also, I may do it all over using the Color module individually for each stack. Any opinions?

PS I can provide the current log if desired.

Thanks for looking.

http://astrob.in/full/90745/0/

That's great stuff! A wonderful, deep, M42. All other remarks/issues would be purely about personal preferences from here. Well done!