NGC2403 Processing Details

This page provides a pictorial description of the steps I go through to fully process an image. A detailed discussion is provided in my
Notes on Driveway Astrophotography.

The Raw Image

Below is the raw image from the ST-7.

The Basic Image

Below is the result after subtracting the Dark Frame and processing the Flat Field Image. This is all done using the ST-7 control software.

The Sharper Image

I then sharpen the image using the Hidden Image maximum entropy deconvolution algorithm. In general the stars become smaller and better defined, and more details show up in areas of nebulosity.

Palette Adjustments

I manipulate the 256 grayscale palette using both Hidden Image and Epoch2000. This produces the "final" 512x512 image (shown here as 256x256).

As an interesting comparison, the image below is identical to the one above except that its palette has been adjusted to bring out the core of the galaxy. You can now see the foreground star that previously been hidden in the glare of the center of the galaxy. In addition, you can see the galactic nucleus in the center of the core.