• 3.1   White Balance

• 3.2   Non-Linear Stretch

• 3.3   Neutralize the Sky Background

• 3.4   Flatten the Field

• 3.5   Set the Black Point

• 3.6   Fix Cosmetic Imperfections

After the individual images are calibrated and stacked, the master light frame must then be adjusted so that the white balance is correct, the tones stretched for visual perception, and the sky background neutralized to remove any color casts. Any remaining gradients or vignetting, and cosmetic imperfections should then be removed.

These basic image adjustment steps can be performed in an astronomical image processing program such as Images Plus or in a general image processing program such as Photoshop.

Our goal is to take the linear data that we have recorded from an astronomical object with our DSLR cameras, process it to scale, correct and adjust it, and then present the resulting image in an aesthetically pleasing and intellectually interesting manner.