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Re: [APML] PixInsight questions ( was:Two New Images)



Hi Gary and Wade,
 
Thank you very much for your nice words and your support; they mean a lot and encourage me to continue with this adventure.
 
The last question about removing faint objects by applying incorrect background models is of great importance. As Carlos has pointed out, when DBE samples are located over faint objects, by subtracting the generated background model, the faint objects will be damaged. This is especially true when no smoothing is used, since a pure interpolating surface is applied, and the generated model will reproduce the incorrect samples exactly.
 
When smoothing is used, the generated model is not adjusted to contain all the sample values. Think of the DBE-generated background model as a thin, elastic surface. The smoothing parameter works by trying to flatten the surface, so small local variations are averaged. Too high of a smoothing value, however, will yield an inaccurate model that will be useless. When dealing with complex DBE targets, fine-tuning the smoothing parameter is usually necessary. 
 
The iterative approach that Carlos has described is an elegant and efficient solution. It was devised and first used by Wei-Hao Wang when we were developing DBE. Wei-Hao applied the iterative method to one of his film images of the Witch Head region, and he was able to reveal extremely dim emission nebulae around the reflection nebula. I should write a tutorial with this material, if only I could find the time...
 
Let us know if you try it; we are very interested in knowing your results.
 
Juan.
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