My Imaging Process for the Leo Quartet Using PI & PS

When doing astrophotography, the first part is collecting the raw images (data) and the second part is processing the data.  Processing images takes while before you become adequate and is always evolving.  This documents my current flow using PixInsight and finishing off with Photoshop. All data was collected using AstroPhotography Tool (APT) using the ZWO ASI1600 MM camera.

These tutorial videos were designed for someone who is thinking about using PixInsight or just beginning, if you are an expert - try not to laugh.  The videos are housed on YouTube under my AstroQuest1 channel.

Part	PixInsight	Time
Part 1	Review Subframes	6:16
Part 2	Batch PreProcessing - Stacking	13:20
Part 2a	Dynamic Crop	3:27
Part 3	Color Combination & Automatic Background Extraction	5:22
Part 4	Background Neutralization & Color Calibration	6:14
Part 5	ACDNR - Noise Reduction	12:04
Part 6	Histogram Transformation	5:59
	Image Non-Linear
Part 7	HDR Multiscale Transformation	6:49
Part 8	MLT or MMT - Noise Reduction	13:56
Part 9	Luminosity - Processed in one video	10:48
Part 10	LRGB Combination	6:45.
Part 11	SCNR - Green Tint Reduction	2:25
Part 12	Morphological Transformation	7:41
	Photoshop
Part 13	SmartSharpen & Vibrance/Saturation	5:50
Part 14	ColorRange, Select and Mask & Curves Stretch	4:36
Part 15	Astronomy Tools - Star Color, Star Size, Less Crunchy	4:35
Part 16	Deep Space Noise Reduction & Levels	5:06
Part 17	Exposure & Saturation	4:50

The cropped image of the Leo Quartet and the wide field version were processed using the techniques described in the table.

NGC 3190 Series
Location: Home Monroe, CT
Date: 3-26-19, 3-27-19
Camera: ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro
Telescope: Astro-Tech AT115EDT 115mm Refractor Telescope
Barlow: None
Focal Length: 805mm
f/7
Focal Reducer: Astro-Tech 0.8x Focal Reducer/Field Flattener for Refractor Telescopes
Mount: Orion Sirius
Filter Wheel: ZWO EFW 8x 1.25"
Filter: ZWO R, G, B, L
Autoguiding: QHY-5L-II-M attached to an Agena 50mm Guide Scope with Helical Focuser
Exposure: R 39 x 90, G 35 x 90, B 39 x 90, L 39 x 90
Gain: 139
Offset 21
Temp: 0 C
Post Processing: PixInsight and Photoshop
https://kurtzeppetello.smugmug.com/
http://astroquest1.blogspot.com/