Looks like you didn’t re stretch the first image after removing gradients
I’ve used Startools for 12 months, it’s great processing software for beginners like me. You always get a reasonable result
Thank you Martin and Michael.
Martin, I took your point on stretching so used Nebulosity's power stretch followed by colour scaling to align the histograms can curves to adjust the brightness.
I do not understand your reference to removing bias as I took no such action, I have a dark site here at home and the moon was not too bright, no filters were used.
Chris
I only use Startools for processing so I always use the Wipe module to remove any gradients no matter how small. Sometimes I “mask out” the object too when using Wipe so Startools doesn’t mistake good data from garbage
I’m currently imaging M83, I don’t use filters , I’ve got my neighbours lights washing across my scope and the moon over my right hand shoulder in the west
Startools does a superb job in removing all types of gradients and leaving a great workable image to restretch
Running 50 x 3 minute dithered guided subs plus some darks later tonight
My histogram on BYEOS is nudging right just past 1/3
Cheers
Thanks for your explanation of why you use gradient removal. As one with no light pollution I have not ventured there. Attached is my final image, made from a stack of the best 42 shots of the 85 available.
I will be really interested to see what you produce with Star Tools in a light polluted and now moon light environment.
Nicely done and another excellent shot from a beginner. 
