Image Processing Competition SPSP17 Subject images available now

montewilson (Monte) · #1 30-03-2009, 10:16 PM

Hi Guys and Girls - Here is the link to download the images for the Image Processing section of the Astro Imaging Competition for the SPSP17. If you are coming to the event and think you are good at putting together astro images now's your chance to prove it.
It is an M81 in LRGB. There are subs for all the channels and when finished is a very attractive image.

As with any other entries for the competition you will need to print them on plain or glossy paper at the correct size as per the rules and bring them to the SPSP. You will then enter your shots at that time at the registration desk.

See the ASNSW site www.asnsw.com for a copy of the rules and the "read me" file in the folder. There are a few rules you need to beware of to avoid disappointment.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/801317/SP...tion%20M81.zip

You should get a Zip of the images. The total is about 64Mb.

Best of luck

Monte Wilson

iceman (Mike) · #2 31-03-2009, 04:38 AM

ooh an image processing competition! Interesting! I hadn't read the rules yet.

Thanks Monte.

iceman (Mike) · #3 31-03-2009, 04:48 AM

Just saw the new categories:
http://www.asnsw.com/spsp/imagingcomp.asp

A great step forward. More work for the judges no doubt, but I can see that "issues" discussed here after the last SPSP imaging comp, and after the DM awards, have been considered and rules defined to address them.

I especially like that the widefield category really is for wide fields now.

Well done to the organisers!

montewilson (Monte) · #4 31-03-2009, 10:07 AM

We thought it would be fairer on those who have to set up each night and get far less chances to advance their skills level. We are open to trying new categories each year. This is one way and next year we will see what else we can think of to make it fairer and more inclusive.

Barrykgerdes · #5 31-03-2009, 10:21 AM

I downloaded the images. Now how do I process them. The only image prcessors I have don't even open the tif files.

What programs do I need .

I will be at the SPSP. Is there a special beginners award for trying?

Barry

montewilson (Monte) · #6 31-03-2009, 10:34 AM

Hi Barry I am not sure what to suggest definitively. I know PhotoShop, CCDStack and ImagesPlus will all do it, but if you pose the same question in the software forum someone will probably suggest other suitable programs.

http:/http://www.iceinspace.com.au/f...splay.php?f=13

We don't have a beginners section this year but we are looking at that for next year. At least with the image processing it is a level playing field.

Barrykgerdes · #7 31-03-2009, 01:26 PM

Hi Monte. Thanks

I will try some of those other programs. I have Photo Shop and have done a fair bit of manipulation of images but I have not done any merging since playing with a Meade 416 and colour wheel about 12 years ago and have not tried stacking images at all. I will play around if I can get enough time.

Barry

montewilson (Monte) · #8 31-03-2009, 01:55 PM

CCDStack has 30 day trial with full (read 100%) operation. It is really good and easy to use too.

Go to www.ccdware.com

jase (Jason) · #9 01-04-2009, 09:26 PM

Great initiative Monte - Kudos!

Darn need to be there to enter...guess someone representing me would be cheating.

montewilson (Monte) · #10 02-04-2009, 04:21 PM

Have a go anyway and post it here..... You wont win anything but it would be interesting to see what is possible with the images.

jase (Jason) · #11 02-04-2009, 04:45 PM

Monte - Would suggest you either provide the calibrated FITS for the user to successfully remove the blooms or remove the blooms before converting them to TIF. Bloom removal while in TIF format can be erroneous.

Also, for the benefit of others - RGB is binned 2x2.

Bassnut (Fred) · #12 02-04-2009, 05:15 PM

Jase

I tried bloom removal on one of the TIF subs with CCD stack, it works fine.

jase (Jason) · #13 02-04-2009, 05:56 PM

I'll take your word Fred. Looking forward to seeing how this progresses. What's life without a challenge...

avandonk · #14 02-04-2009, 09:02 PM

Gave it a quick bash with Registar for stacking and ImagesPlus for combining. Used clone stamp in PhotoShop to get rid of hot pixels before combining in IP. No noise removal.

Bert

montewilson (Monte) · #15 03-04-2009, 05:44 AM

Nice effort - you can see the faint outer arm at the top right.

jase (Jason) · #16 04-04-2009, 06:02 PM

Thanks for a play with the data Monte. Enjoyed it, even though I didn't spend much time. Changed the framing for something different - actually on purpose as the stars in the bottom right of frame are out of focus. Looks like camera tilt. Once again, thanks!

Bassnut (Fred) · #17 04-04-2009, 06:07 PM

Nice work Jase, thank christ you dont actually really want to enter

montewilson (Monte) · #18 04-04-2009, 06:50 PM

Dude - I am going to compare this with whomever wins at the star party to see if it is better. This is really nice well done!

avandonk · #19 04-04-2009, 07:50 PM

Yes Jase I have tried to follow your explanations of processing but get lost at the the first bit I do not understand. If you can get that image out of that data I have a lot to learn. My expertise is not faint galaxies but I will keep plodding on and hopefully get better with time. After all the only person you are really competing with is yourself!

So much to learn so little time.

Thanks for all the fish/explanations.....

Bert

multiweb (Marc) · #20 04-04-2009, 10:31 PM

Here's my shot at it.

I cropped it coz I don't know how to get rid of the blooms.

My camera doesn't bloom.