From: "dean_drumheller" <drumhellerd@smccd.edu>

Date: January 4, 2009 7:23:30 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Image Stacking

That helps a lot. I'll look for MAP processing. Wasn't aware of that. Yes, my first attempt 

was with a lunar image, a lot different than (small) planetary images.  I'll continue 

experimenting. Thanks Milton

Dean

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Milton Aupperle <milton@...> wrote:

Hi Dean;

On 4-Jan-09, at 1:06 AM, dean_drumheller wrote:

After choosing 3 alignment points manually, 3 separate images are  

created/saved.

Am I getting 3 different images, each aligned to one point only ?

Yes, except if you select MAP processing.

Is there an advantage in choosing 3 alignment points when only one  

is used ?

It depends on what your imaging and what stacking options you use.

For most planetary (except if your at like 7 meter focal lengths and  

the planet fills most of the FOV) , DSO  or star Clusters multiple  

areas selections aren't really needed.

If your doing Lunar / Solar imaging, you may want to check mark  

"Create blended MAP images from manually selected pixel areas." item  

when setting up your stacking options.

With MAP check marked, Astro IIDC will create a final image that  

blends the selection areas together. More details on MAP are  

described on page 32 of the Astro IIDC manual.

And the reason it keeps each stack is because some people prefer  

combining the images together manually in Photoshop.

Hope That Helps..

Milton Aupperle

Thanks, Dean