• Bias Frames; 13 exposures @ 0 seconds each
• Dark Frames; 5 exposures @300 seconds each
• Flat Frames; 5 exposures @ 300 seconds each
• M51 Target; 6 exposures @ 300 seconds each

Files Names

The raw files are in the folder called 07020607.

The input bias frame file names are b1-50-001.fit (The last three numbers are 001 through 013 since there are 13 frames) Output: masterbias.jpg

The input darks frame file names are d1-50-300-001d.fit (001d through 005d) Output: masterdark.jpg

The input flat frame file names are fsc1-50-300-001.fit (001 through 005) Output: masterflat.jpg

The in put M51 frame file names are m51c1-50-300-001.fit (001 through 006) Output: masterm51.jpg

Procedure

Master Bias

• Convert the image to 32-bit.
• Measure the overscan region (8 pixels wide, all the way down).
• Subtract the mean value of the overscan region from all pixels of the image.
• Crop each image to remove the overscan region.
• Use the Zprojection to create the master bias, and choose the "average intensity" option.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast to showcase the best result of each image.

Master Dark

• Convert the image to 32-bit.
• Measure the overscan region.
• Subtract the mean value of the overscan region from all pixels of the image.
• Crop each image to remove the overscan region.
• Use the Image Calculator to subtract the master bias from each image.
• Use the Zprojection to create the master bias and choose the "average intensity" option.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast.

Master Flat

• Convert the image to 32-bit
• Measure the overscan region
• Subtract the mean value of the overscan region from all pixels of the image.
• Crop each image to remove the overscan region.
• Use the image calculator to subtract the master bias from each image.
• Use the image calculate to subtract the master dark from each image.
• Make the mean value of the image = 1.
• Download and use the plugin "Background Extractor" to create the master flat.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast.

Master Image of M51

• Convert the image to 32-bit
• Measure the overscan region
• Subtract the mean value of the overscan region from all pixels of the image.
• Crop each image to remove the overscan region.
• Use image calculator to subtract the master bias from each image.
• Use image caluclator to subtract the master dark from each image.
• Use image calculatore to divid the master flat from each image.
• Download and use the "StackReg" and "TurboReg" plugins to align all of the frames you want to use for your final image.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast.

Back to main page