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Pixinsight Workflow

This document outlines a detailed workflow for processing astrophotography images using specific software tools and techniques. It includes steps for stacking files, applying color correction, noise reduction, and combining images, with emphasis on subjective adjustments based on user preference. The author encourages users to modify and personalize the workflow to suit their needs.

Uploaded by

Jose Fernández González
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
90 views

Pixinsight Workflow

This document outlines a detailed workflow for processing astrophotography images using specific software tools and techniques. It includes steps for stacking files, applying color correction, noise reduction, and combining images, with emphasis on subjective adjustments based on user preference. The author encourages users to modify and personalize the workflow to suit their needs.

Uploaded by

Jose Fernández González
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Step 1. Stack your files.

Use what program you are comfortable with, I Use WBPP with a
slight modification from the stock package to speed things up. Under the "Lights Tab"
you will see a box title "Image Integration" Click that and change the "Rejection
Algorithm" to "Winsorized Sigma Clipping". That has taken my processing time from
over 30 hours to right around an hour give or take based upon using 1500 subframes.

Step 2 Click the STF Autostretch (Boosted). Look for any stacking artifacts. Use Zoom To
Fit to expand. If you see excess noise then crop it out using Dynamic Crop. When you
are happy click the Reset Screen Transfer button.
Step 3. Image Solve your frame. Click Script-Image Analysis-Image Solver. Ensure the
Image Solver is working on your picture. Check the RA & DEC values along with the
date. Check Image Scale. It should read 250mm for focal distance.
Pixel size will be 2.90. If you get errors after running then click on the search button,
enter your target, It should change your values.
Step 4 SPCC. This gives color to things like stars and galaxies,
For White Reference if you are doing a Galaxy ensure Average Spiral Galaxy is selected.
For all else ensure you have G2V star.
QE Curve should be Sony IMX411/455/461/533/571.
For Filters use Sony Color Sensor R, G, & B.
Click the box on the bottom to start the processing.
Step 4 Gradient Correction. Your choice here. Ive found the higher your bortle say
above 6 you should use Gradient Correction, Below 4 use Graxpert. 5-6 Try both see
which works best.
Next are the Xterminators, Contrary to usual practice according to Rich the designer of
the RC-Astro scripts say that pre-stretch go NXT then BXT,
Step 5 For Noise Xterminator NXT set your values to 0.65 Denoise 0.15 Detail.
Step 6 For BlurXterminator BXT, Click COrrect Only. Thats it for the first run.
Step 7 (Optional but mandatory) Star Exterminator. SXT. Ensure Generate Star Image is
selected. Let it run.
Step 8 you now have 2 images on your screen. 1 is Stars and 1 is starless. Jut
remember your active frame is the one with the blue top border. Minimize your main
frame. If you havent modified the name it should end in intergration.
Step 9 Stretching the Star image. Go to Script-SetiAstro- Star Stretch. From here on its
gets to be subjective based upon your eyes and your likes. I will give some starting
values and you can adjust to your liking. USE YOUR UNDO FUNCTION. Its the most
used button I have.
For Stretch Amount I find a value of 4-5 is a good starting place. If it has many stars I
use 4.0, fewer stars I use 5.0. Color Boost Amount I find 0.23-0.28 a good starting point.
Ensure Remove Green via SCNR (Optional) is selected. Press Execute.
Step 10 You should have a stretched star field now. Use Curve Transformation to peak
and tweak your stars. Minimize your stars field.
Step 11 Expand your Integration frame and make sure its top border is blue. This
means this is the file that will be effected by what you do next.
Again this is all subjective. What I do first is open Process-All Processes- Exponential
Transformation. Most times this will make your pic blow out the highlights. So I check it
and usually Undo and forget it.
Step 12 Local Histogram Equalization. This does some enhancing of your image. What
values you have inputted will depend on what you are working on. For Galaxies Kernal
Radius - 94. Contrast Limit 2.5. Amount - 0.250. Histogram Resolution should be 8 Bit
(256) and Circular Kernal selected. For Nebula Kernal Radius - 160. Contrast Limit 1.2.
Amount 0.650. Same resolution and Circular Kernal selected.
Step 13 CurvesTransformation. This is all up to you. Get your LRGB S Curve then tune it
to your liking.
Step 14 Blur Xterminator. This may take some adjusting as it sometimes blows things
out but this will be a good starting point. Click OFF the Correct Only. Sharpen Stars (Yes
I know there are no stars) 0.50. Adjust Star Halos -0.00. Sharpen Nonstellar 1.00. Adjust
Sharpen Nonstellar to correct possible artifacts.
Step 15 Noise Xterminator NXT. Denoise 1.00. Detail , usually as much as it can take
without creating artifacts., I start at 0.40 and adjust.
Step 16 Recombining your Images. Go to Script-Toolbox-Combine Images. Male yor
Image 1 and Image 2 reflecting your Integration and Stars files. No need to make
adjustments to the values.
you now have 3 frames. Integration Frame, Stars Frame and Combined frame. You can
delete the Integration and Star frames.
Step 17 Now its all on you. Use whatever you feel you need to get the picture you want.
Im so far apart on all my pix at this stage I cannot give any real advice, just use baby
steps, use the undo and press on.
I hope this workflow was helpful to at least 1 person. Use it, modify it, tweak it and
make it your own. If you have any ideas that would be general enough for everyone to
use please pass it along.

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