FREE Astrophotography Stacker – Deep Sky Stacker (DSS)
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DeepSkyStacker (DSS) is a user-friendly tool for stacking astronomical data, supporting various RAW file types. This tutorial guides users through familiarizing with DSS’s interface, registering and stacking images, and handling both DSLR/color and monochromatic data. Steps include setting master frames, choosing stacking options, saving stacked images, and preparing data for post-processing edits. It emphasizes using the Kappa-Sigma clipping mode for processing over five frames and recommends saving TIFF files. Monochrome data requires stacking filter sets separately before editing.
Affinity Photo HaRGB Editing
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This article guides readers on enhancing astro-images by integrating H-Alpha (Ha) into RGB images using Affinity Photo, emphasizing the details and contrast Ha captures. It details post-stack adjustments, creating a Red composite with Pixinsight’s PixelMath, and blending Ha into the Red channel. Techniques include softening stars with a Dust and Scratches filter, adjusting with luminosity and opacity, and refining with curves adjustments for a high-contrast, detailed final image.