Episode 5: Stretching, Image Enhancement, and Noise Reduction

We’ve reached the fifth and final episode of our PixInsight tutorial series — the final steps to turn our calibrated data into a polished, balanced astrophotographic image ready to share.

We’ll start with Statistics, to analyze the brightness and color distribution of our image before continuing. Then, with MaskedStretch, we’ll perform a controlled stretch that preserves highlights while revealing faint structures.

CurvesTransformation will help us fine-tune contrast, saturation, and tonal depth. With RangeSelection and StarMask, we’ll create precise masks to protect specific regions during processing.

Next, we’ll use PixelMath for custom adjustments and combinations, apply LocalHistogramEqualization to enhance local contrast, and finish with two essential noise reduction tools: NoiseXTerminator and ACDNR, to achieve a clean, detailed final image.

LDN 1183 Finished

This episode completes the full PixInsight workflow — from integration to presentation — revealing the invisible colors of the deep sky.

🌠 Thank you for joining me on this journey among pixels and stars!— Alberto Pisabarro