M13 Image Processing using Picture Window Program


Raw Negative Scans of M13 and Galaxy NGC6207

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Astro Physics 130mm at F6 using Kodak PJM-2 Multispeed film.
10 bit/color Scans using HP Photosmart scanner and VueSmart program


Balance Color and Levels

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Use "Reset" under Color Balance for auto color and brightness level


Select Alignment Stars for Combining the Two Frames

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In Composite Mode, use 2 Point, Subtract Mode, Auto for Fine Alignment


Combine both Frames into a Single Frame

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Comparison of three possible combining selections.
(Note that "Image Amt" should be set at 100% resulting in a 50/50 combining for the overlay % shown above)
"Add" was chosen for the remaining processing


Enhance Stars in Outer Area of Cluster and Darken Background

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Use "Log" selection under Brightness Curve Options to show detail histogram
Adjust curve lower at bottom left to obtain darker background
Adjust curve higher near center to brighten outer cluster stars


Sharpen and Increase Color Saturation

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Use Unsharp Mask at 100%, Radius 2, Threshold 16
Increase Color Saturation 20%


Process 5 Min Exposure and Make Mask

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The 5 Min exposure is first enhanced using techniques described previously.
A mask is made by using the Mask Curve feature to select the brighter stars.


M13 Final Composite of Two 20 Min and 5 Min Exposures

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Additional final adjustments included sharpening by masking and brightness leveling

 

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