26
27
Each individual deep sky image is faint and has a noticeable amount of noise.
Combining the individual deep sky images eliminates the noise and enhances the
detail in the deep sky object by improving the signal to noise ratio. The more imag-
es you combine, the better the resulting image will look. (Figures 22.1 and 22.2).
Read section 5 “Image Processing” to utilize MaxIm DL’s
Stack function.
5. Image Processing
After you have captured and combined individual images (with or without dark
frame subtraction) into a single resultant image, you may want to perform some
additional image processing to bring out subtle details or to make the image
appear more pleasing overall. MaxIm DL contains several image processing func-
tions which will further enhance your image once your individual images have
been calibrated and combined. The image processing functions are found in the
Process menu.
5.1. Image Calibration
The darks and flats you previously saved will be subtracted from your “light”
images.
1. Select
Setup Calibrate from the Process menu.
2. Click
Clear All Groups if any filenames appear in the window.
3. Select the
Source Folder where you saved your dark frames (Figure 23)
4. Click
Auto
-
Generate and MaxIm DL will automatically find all of your
calibration images such as darks and flats. The selected dark frames will
now appear in the pop-up window.
5. Click
OK.
6. With your astro-image open in MaxIm DL, select
Calibrate from the Process
menu (or click the
Calibrate icon in MaxIm DL) You should see a significant
amount of noise disappear. This process can be automated for all of your
light images, see “Stacking – Combining Images”.
5.2. Convert raw to Color (For Parsec 8300C and 10100)
Once you have calibrated your images, you need to convert them to color:
1. Open the raw images you wish to convert to color. If you need to convert
more than 5 images or so, please refer to “Batch Processing” as this method
allows you to combine an unlimited number of images without consuming
more memory from your computer.
2. Select
Convert Color in the Process menu.
Figure 22.1.
Before your images are
combined, an individual deep space image
will have more noise and less detail.
Figure 22.2.
Combining multiple deep
space images greatly increases the detail
in the resulting combined image
Figure 23.
The
Set Calibration window lets you automatically select all of your
calibration images.
