Version: 1.7, September 2022

The «Deep-Sky Image Processing Chart» should give an overview of a typical processing of a deep-sky object.

Stacking
It starts with the stacking of images. In the chart, Pixinsight is used as the stacking programme, since I do most of the image processing in this programme anyway. AstroPixelProcessor is also a programme that can be used for stacking.

Image Processing
After post processing, the actual image processing begins. You have to decide on the desired filter combination. You can choose between LRGB or RGB for colour cameras, HaRGB for emission nebulae with a lot of Ha, the typical SHO Hubble palette and galaxies with Ha, i.e. LHaGB (the red channel simply becomes the Ha filter), GHaGB (like LHaGB, green is simply used as luminance) and LRHaGB (the Ha is added with Pixelmath and a continuum subtraction).

Final Adjustments
Afterwards some steps should be done which are always necessary. Finally, the image is sharpened in Adobe Photoshop with the APF-R plugin and the last minor adjustments can be made in Camera Raw.

Comments
It is important that this chart only gives an overview. Often I have to deviate from the steps in the chart or carry out further steps to achieve a tangible result.
If you want to look at the Chart or download the PDF just press the «open PDF» below.