> COLOR RESTORATION AFTER RAW FILES STACK IN 16 BITS
If you have used DeepSky stacker to stack RAW files, maybe you have notice that the resulting image is poor of color saturation. This is because it has a higher number of bits then the display could show. Going to less bits per Chanel we are loosing information so it is good idea to do any touches as early as possible. DeepSky stacker give us tool to achieve correct color balance and increase luminosity and saturation. The best color balanced image has all the 3 channel (RGB) histograms overlapped. You can adjust this as well as increase intensity of high lights and shadows (correct the background). Finally use the saturation slider to achieve the colors. But be careful with the color noise.
Below: NGC 7635 Bubble Nebula 06.09.2015. Pentax k-5, 30 frames x 30s. ISO 51200. UHC-S Oxygen III and Hydrogen alpha pass filter. Telescope SW 200pds, F1000mm 1:5. The “bubble” is created by the stellar wind from a massive hot young central star. At the upper left M52 Open Cluster. At the upper right – upcoming cloud
This is a comparison of my not modified Pentax k5 DSLR and the same, but modified one without IR-cut filter.
Astrotracer is a great way to take advantage of the Pentax DSLR camera in-body shake reduction mechanism. It is available since Pentax k5 and track celestial bodies by moving the sensor. Here is what is it ablout:
Staying at my home inspires me to make some documentation of my experience. I got a dedicated drive for my astrophotos and start reorganize them by objects. Here is an article of the most recent process I use on my photos. Enjoy: )
For a few months from now Betelgeuse (Alpha Orion) dim so much, that it looks as bright as the stars in the Orion belt. This is not so disturbing and does not mean that cataclysmic events are happening with it.
For my last trip to the Rodopa mountain I decided to cross the limits and to target an object that is hard to believe that a non-professional equipment could catch.
