How to Process Lunar Photos from DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras

Capturing the Moon with a mirrorless/DSLR camera can produce stunning results, but to truly bring out the fine details, post-processing is essential. In this guide, we will walk through how to process your lunar images using the image stacking method with free tools. We’ll use the Aquarius Full Moon as an example, focusing on the still image stacking workflow, rather than video stacking commonly used with dedicated planetary cameras.

Step 1: Understand the Two Main Methods for Lunar Imaging

There are two common ways to capture and process images of the Moon:

• Video stacking: Often used with planetary or astronomy-dedicated cameras.
• Image stacking (burst shooting): Ideal for mirrorless or DSLR cameras, which is the focus of this article.

Step 2: Pre-Processing – Aligning Your Images with PIPP

When capturing bursts of lunar photos, the Moon will have moved slightly between frames due to its rapid motion across the sky. Therefore, the first step is to align the images.

Convert RAW to TIFF

Before loading into PIPP, convert your RAW files to TIFF format using Lightroom or a similar software.

Use PIPP for Image Centering

PIPP (Planetary Imaging PreProcessor) is a free tool designed to preprocess planetary and lunar images.

How to Use PIPP:

1. Open PIPP and load your TIFF image sequence.
2. Choose the processing mode: Optimise Options for Lunar/Planetary Images.
3. Enable object centering:
   • Go to Input Options and Process Options.
   • Ensure Object Detection and Object/Frame Centre Estimation are enabled.
4. Crop your images:
   • Under Cropping, check “Enable Cropping” and enter appropriate dimensions.
5. Set the output format:
   • Under Output Options, choose TIFF (16-bit).
   • Set your output folder.
6. Click Start Processing.

This step will generate a centered, aligned set of Moon images ready for stacking.

Step 3: Image Stacking in AutoStakkert

After alignment, the next step is stacking the images to reduce noise and enhance detail.

How to Use AutoStakkert:

1. Open AutoStakkert and load the aligned TIFF images.
2. Choose the alignment type: Surface (for the Moon).
3. Click Analyze.
4. Place alignment points:
   • Click Place AP Grid. Set the AP size to 104.
5. Set stack percentages:
   • Try 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% to compare outcomes.
   • Enable Normalize Stack.
   • Output format: TIFF.
   • Enable Save in folders.
6. Click Stack to start the process.

The result will be several high-quality stacked images saved in separate folders, e.g., AS_P20, AS_P60, etc.

Step 4: Sharpening with RegiStax Wavelets

To enhance fine lunar details, we use wavelet sharpening in RegiStax, another free tool.

What are Wavelets?

Wavelets split your image into six layers based on detail size:

• Layer 1-2: Very fine details (craters, sharp edges)
• Layer 3: Medium structures (maria outlines, medium craters)
• Layer 4-6: Large structures (shadows, gradients)

Recommended Wavelet Settings:

• Layer 1: 15
• Layer 2: 12
• Layer 3: 7
• Layer 4: 6
• Layer 5: 5
• Layer 6: 1.5

You can adjust these settings to suit your image. After setting them:

• Click Do All to apply
• Click Save Image (use TIFF format)

Alternatively, advanced users can apply MultiscaleLinearTransform in PixInsight for more control.

Step 5: Artistic Finishing in Lightroom or Photoshop

The final step is aesthetic enhancement in Lightroom or Photoshop Camera Raw. Here, you can make your Moon image visually striking.

Adjustments to Consider:

• Contrast & Clarity: Enhance shadows and highlights.
• Texture & Sharpness: Emphasize crater detail.
• Color Enhancement: Boost vibrance/saturation for a gold-blue lunar look.

This stage is personal and creative. You can create a scientifically accurate Moon or go for an artistic representation that highlights its texture and terrain.

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Final Tips for Better Lunar Photography Results

• Use a fast shutter speed (1/100s to 1/400s) to avoid motion blur.
• Shoot when the Moon is high in the sky to reduce atmospheric distortion.
• A telephoto or telescope (400mm or longer) is ideal for detailed lunar shots.
• Consider using a remote shutter or timer to avoid camera shake.

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Conclusion Using a mirrorless/DSLR camera and the image stacking method, you can produce lunar images with incredible detail and depth. With free tools like PIPP, AutoStakkert, and RegiStax, and some final touches in Lightroom or Photoshop, you can bring the Moon’s surface to life.