Start Here: Tutorials and Community Support
At Telescope Live, we understand that dealing with artifacts like bad columns, gradients, halos, and satellite trails can be challenging. While our datasets are pre-calibrated for high quality, certain residual issues can still arise. However, resolving these artifacts is part of the creative and technical process of astrophotography.
For specific processing guidance, we encourage you to:
Explore Tutorials: Access our extensive tutorial library for step-by-step guides on using tools like PixInsight, Siril, and Photoshop to handle common artifacts.
Join the Community: Engage with other astrophotographers on the Telescope Live Community Forum. Share tips, ask questions, and learn from others’ experiences.
Book a Tutor: For personalized advice, you can book a one-on-one session with one of our expert tutors by visiting the Telescope Live Tutors page.
Our customer support team does not provide assistance for specific processing queries, but these resources will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need.
Common FITS File Artifacts and How to Fix Them
Bad Columns
Bad columns are vertical lines caused by non-functioning pixel rows on the camera sensor.
How to Fix:
Use the Cosmetic Correction tool in PixInsight or Siril to interpolate and repair bad pixels or columns automatically.
Tutorials like "Cosmetic Correction in PixInsight" can guide you through this process.
Gradients
Gradients often result from light pollution, moonlight, or uneven field illumination.
How to Fix:
Use Dynamic Background Extraction (DBE) in PixInsight to isolate and remove gradients.
In Siril, try the Background Removal Tool to smooth uneven illumination.
Learn more through our tutorials on gradient removal for step-by-step instructions.
Halos
Halos around bright stars are typically caused by reflections within the optical system.
How to Fix:
Use PixInsight’s Star Mask feature to isolate stars and reduce the halo effect.
Siril also provides tools for enhancing star profiles while minimizing halos.
Satellite Trails
Satellite trails are streaks left by artificial satellites passing through the field of view during an exposure.
How to Fix:
Use Kappa-Sigma Clipping or other rejection algorithms during stacking to remove trails effectively.
Ensure you use multiple frames for stacking, as these algorithms rely on averaging out anomalies.
Using Stacking Algorithms to Minimize Artifacts
Stacking is one of the most effective ways to reduce noise, eliminate artifacts, and enhance signal-to-noise ratio. Tools like PixInsight, Siril, and AstroPixel Processor include advanced stacking methods such as:
Kappa-Sigma Clipping: Great for removing satellite trails or other transient artifacts.
Windsorized Sigma Clipping: Effective for addressing inconsistent pixels or minor defects.
Refer to our stacking tutorials for detailed workflows and recommendations tailored to your dataset.
Additional Resources
Tutorial Library: Explore tutorials on artifact removal and advanced processing techniques.
Community Forum: Share your experiences and learn from fellow astrophotographers.
Book a Tutor: Get personalized, expert help with your specific challenges.
Key Takeaways
Artifacts in FITS files, such as bad columns, gradients, halos, and satellite trails, are common challenges that can be fixed with proper tools and techniques.
PixInsight, Siril, and stacking algorithms are powerful resources for addressing these issues.
Tutorials, the Telescope Live Community Forum, and our expert tutors are your best sources of support.
By leveraging these resources, you’ll develop the skills to tackle artifacts and transform raw data into stunning astrophotography images. Start exploring today!