Even the way StarTools displays and scales images, has been created specifically for astrophotography.
StarTools implements a custom scaling algorithm in its user interface, which makes sure that perceived noise levels stay constant, no matter the zoom level. This way, nasty noise surprises when viewing the image at 100% are avoided.
StarTools implements a custom scaling algorithm in its user interface, which makes sure that perceived noise levels stay constant, no matter the zoom level.
Even more clever, StarTools scaling algorithm can highlight latent and faint patterns (often indicating stacking problems or acquisition errors) by intentionally causing an aliasing pattern at different zoom levels in the presence of such patterns.
I'm relatively new to image processing and just wanted to say how straight forward and powerful StarTools is.
Bin the image up until each pixel describes one unit of real detail.
Thanks to StarTools' Tracking feature the Color module provides you with unparalleled flexibility and color fidelity when it comes to colour presentation in your image.
To apply the new colour balance to the whole image, launch the Mask editor once more and click Clear, then click Invert to select the whole image.
The goal of color balancing in astrophotography, is achieving an accurate representation of emissions, temperatures and processes.
You can convert everything you see to a format you find convenient. Give it a try!