Starfield generator...

[darkownt]

Hi :

This may or may not be possible or it may already exist ... I admit I am a newbie.

I would really like a tool to generate an accurate Starfield based on catalogued data of all stars in a particular region of the sky. Ideally the options would allow:

1. single pixel stars (binned to at most four pixels depending on the position of the star) so that all stars are nominally the same size regardless of brightness (unless magnification is at a level where the disc of the star would be large enough to be visible)
2. color related to the magnitude of the star (linear or other function of the star magnitude)

If PI can't do this or wont in future, is there another tool out there that can already do this?

cheers
Colin

[Niall Saunders]

Hi Colin,

For the last several versions now, PixInsight has had the StarGenerator process available - this should suit your needs.

I'll dig out some information that should help you get started with it.

Cheers,

[Nocturnal]

Colin,

as Carlos said, PI already does this. Next time first check the module list I'm curious what you are going to use this for? So far the main purpose I've seen is to use it as a scaffold for mosaic creation.

[darkownt]

Hi Colin,

For the last several versions now, PixInsight has had the StarGenerator process available - this should suit your needs.

I'll dig out some information that should help you get started with it.

Cheers,

Thanks Niall!

I would greatly appreciate any help.  I've tried googling star catalogs to download one but I'm not sure which ones are compatabile (format) and which ones are more comprehensive (I want lots of stars... )  

Yeah.. I neglected to look under the render menu..     my bad!

cheers
Colin

EDIT:  After digging around I found a link to the star database in the downloads section.  Sorry for the forum "noise"!!  I'll go play around some and then ask questions later! 

[Nocturnal]

No worries Colin. We can blame the lack of comprehensive docs. PI relies very heavily on the community to help itself.

[Niall Saunders]

Hi Colin,

Hopefully the following link to a Video Tutorial will help:-

http://74.50.19.20/nsaunders/StarGenerator_Tutorial/PI%20Star%20Generator%20Tutorial%2001%20BQFS.wmv

And here is the accompanying text document for those who might wish to translate this into their native language (Harry, for your convenience, try Googling "Scottish to English")

http://74.50.19.20/nsaunders/StarGenerator_Tutorial/PI%20Star%20Generator%20Tutorial%2001%20transcript.rtf

Information regarding how to install the Star Database can be found at

http://pixinsight.com/forum/index.php?topic=1366.0

Don't get too desperate for the 'follow up video' - it should be ready 'soon' (but that is a 'Juan soon' )

Cheers,