Process for wide field DSLR alignment to Stargen reference

[cosmochristo]

After finding that PI was not able to align 16mm full frame images completely (problems towards the edges) I found a forum discussion from 2010 about removing distortion by using Dynamic Alignment on each sub first.
see: https://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?topic=2132.0

Is this still the best approach if you want to mosaic together wide field shots for the entire Milky Way? Is ImageSolver intended to take over from the manual DA process?

[msmythers]

The best way I think to approach this is using the ImageSolver script with Distortion correction turned on, MosaicByCoordinates script and the GradientMergeMosaic tool. They all have documentation available in PI and I would suggest reading that. Your biggest problem will be distorted stars in the corners. If your overlap between images are good I would suggest cropping out any problem areas before actually starting the mosaic building process.

I tried a large mosaic a number of years ago just to get an understanding of the scripts and tools. It was made of 15 panels with 4 different lens sizes, 135, 90, 45 and 20mm. While the imaging quality is not great, I think it showed the power of the these scripts and tools. With good images and care during processing I think you should be able to get a result.




Mike

[cosmochristo]

Thank you Mike, I will try that process and see how far I get!