Unlocking the Power of Siril: Incorporating Ha into RGB Astrophotography

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

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[@kiscsigabee]

Hi Rick, I tried the method you described with my data of the Cocoon nebula, but when I added the Ha, it just washed out the colors, perhaps I have more intense data in the Ha. What I noticed, in the current version of Siril (v.1.2.4), in the RGB compositing can add beside R, G and B custom colors, including Ha, OIII etc. and you can even select wavelenghts. With this, I got back the colors. I am still testing this, but looks promising.

[@gilles987654321]

Don't know how you create these videos but they are so concise, tight (no dead time), precise, explanatory (especially for those who are still learning Siril), and generous (sharing your tips and understandings)! Don't know if you are a Siril Ambassador - if not, you should! Tks for all those insights!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Hey thanks so much for that! Glad to hear the videos have been helpful!

[@JonathanHighman-v5i]

Hi Rich. Excellent video, like all you do straight and to the point. I would like to ask. If I have only captured via a dual/tri band filter can I still extract the Ha and follow these steps or would that not work? Thanks again.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! Although I've never tried that, I believe it would work the same.

[@JonathanHighman-v5i]

Great. Thanks for the swift reply. I will give it a go. 👍🏻

[@keithlevins5296]

great video thanks. do you mind me asking what your stats are on the computer you are running looks like a beast very fast and i'm in the hunt for building one

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

i7 Intel 6 core 3.70Ghz, and 32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 1TB SSD. I picked it up last year used for about $700.

[@Sw87sw87]

Video idea: how to add broadband stars to narrowband image using Siril.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks. I'll add it to my list.

[@aay_its_sage]

You have got to be one of the best AP tutorial content creators on this platform. I really appreciate your videos. You always have a solution to my questions.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Wow! I appreciate that! Thanks so much!

[@ramymah]

I really didn't want this video to end! thanks for sharing! I hope to see more editing videos from you soon!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Hey thanks so much!

[@baranjen]

Sublime video as always. Thank you especially for always reiterating important information and for zooming into the dialogue boxes that you are using. Makes an enormous difference to the value and usability of the video. Greetings from South Africa.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you saying that!

[@gr-astro]

I captured Andromeda over two nights recently using two filters; a UV filter (for RGB colour) and then an Optolong L-eXtreme (for Ha). My camera was a Zwo ASI294MC Pro coupled with a Redcat51 telescope. Images comprised of RGB (50x120secs) and Ha (10x240secs) with calibration frames. After processing each stack I then followed your tutorial to create a HaRGB image and it worked a treat. Very pleased with the result. You're very good at explaining the steps and I was able to follow them without any issue (had to use my glasses for your formula though). I have learnt that the more H-Alpha you capture, the better, as this will reduce noise in the final combined image. Excellent video tutorial and I am now a subscriber! :)

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thank you! Happy to hear that you got great results. If you haven't seen it, I recently uploaded a video for adding Ha specifically for galaxies. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWjKi5l9ma5rl6M

[@gr-astro]

@@DeepSpaceAstro That's the one I watched and meant to comment on but I also watched this one and commented here instead!! Both are great techniques for adding Ha to Nebula and Galaxies and I can't wait to get my next Horse Head stack!!! :)

[@z.s.9731]

I just posted a comment under your new video regarding RGB+narrowband on galaxies, where I asked for the same for nebulae... I have one question though, in narrowband data you have beside Ha also OIII, why don't you use it?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Only because this workflow is about adding the Ha. I never tried it with OIII, so not sure what kind of result we would get.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Hey Rich....I just watched your video again, WOW! Question, please: What gear did you use to acquire this fairly widefield data? Thanks, Michael

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

This was taken with the RedCat51 and Poseidon-C PRO camera. Thanks!

[@valeryloriot2303]

Again after a quick search on youtube, another of your video that exactly answer all my questions 🎉 I will apply your workflow to my andromeda session, i’m planning to end up with 8h of RGB (180s subs) and 4h oh Ha (300s). I can’t wait to post process following your video ! Keep it up! Clear skies

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks!

[@Stuart.Little.07.07]

Fantastic video as usual, may I ask what scope and camera, and in particular the Ha filter you used for this image.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thank you! Scope: Redcat51, Camera: PlayerOne Poseidon-C, Filter: Optolong L-Extreme.

[@cherylwilcox9648]

Another excellent, info-crammed video. I especially like when you take the time to tell us WHY we want to do things a certain way. Now on to the galaxy processing video!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks!

[@kryptox1424]

Hello, I have a question: Is it possible to use a Ha,O3,S2 filter in combination with a DSLR (Canon Eos 550d) to process a correct RGB image? My DSLR is astro-modified, so the image is heavily red even when the objekt ist for example red and blue (NGC 2244). Greetings from Germany.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

The RGB Compositing tool allows you to add up to 8 images to create your image, and you can set the colors by clicking on the squares.

[@eifujioka5300]

Thank you very much for the very informative video as always. I will try this workflow as this looks promising. But I'm also confused with why you ran OSC_Extract_Ha instead of OSC_Extract_HaOIII (you used L-eXtreme Filter, right? So, it should capture Ha and OIII) and why you used the Ha image as the luminance layer. I thought experts would use a dualband filter and extract Ha and OIII and assign red to Ha, blue to OIII etc. The workflow I had in mind was, then, to merge a star-only image (obtained from Starnet) taken with no filter so star colors look more natural. Probably, what you wanted to achieve is different from what I was thinking... Hopefully you can explain / clarify what the concept / theory / idea behind this demo was in the next video!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I didn't use the Ha_OIII script because I was only after the Ha for this image. There are many ways to go about this, and this is just one. In the future I'm going to try with Pixel Math which is more along the lines of what you're talking about. Blending, not just replacing the channels.

[@mattorsie4421]

Thanks Rich! Awesome instruction. I may have missed it but was ALL your data from an OSC camera and you isolated the HII or did you use a mono camera for the HII. I'm thinking the former. I have a Seestar S50 and have combined subs using the dual band and no filter and just stacked them all together. Then I isolate and tweak colors in PS using Range Color Maps and masking. I guess your method brings out the HII better (if there is wispy nebulosity in the capture).

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

The Ha was shot with the L-Extreme filter through the same camera and scope. Thanks!

[@AlainPrevost-v1x]

Excellent video. Somewhat complicated for a newbie but will definitely give it a try as I had issues bringing out the H alpha nebulosity using just a UHC filter.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks and good luck with it!

[@SrSquatch1]

As always, awesome tutorial! I had some dual band and broadband data of M33 I was holding onto for this! Unfortunately after following along it appears I must have bad data somewhere, as when I get through RGB_Composition and then add the Ha file from the process folder using RGB Compositing my image gets blown out with green and the stars become overexposed bright blue. I'll have to try data collection again this summer when the skies clear.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! That's definitely odd. Let me know what you find. Thanks again!

[@refetastro]

Perfect video My question why you shot 300 seconds on Ha and 120 sec on rgb? Is that so you can keep stars small ?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! I didn't want to blow out the core in Orion

[@Cosmic_Gypsy]

Hi, great video. I’ve learnt my processing from this channel. It’s changed my game completely. All thanks to you. I do have a question though. Can we run an HaOIII extract, combine them and save it, and use it as the luminance layer? I ask because I would like to preserve the OIII channel and get the natural star colours from my RGB data.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

All I can say is give it try.

[@FredLombardo]

Curious if there is advantage to using narrowband data only? In other words, process the data from the narrowband as RGB and then reprocess just Ha and combine?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I think it would depend on the data. I've processed data from the L-Extreme as RGB on a Ha rich object, and it's mostly shades of red. Never tried adding Ha to it though. Doing so as the luminance layer would probably have the same effect as it did in this video, in that you would see more of the Ha structure. Now you have me thinking!

[@giuseppececere9815]

Understand u like scripts but you can alliign the RGB and Ha creating a new sequence and apply global star registration. I think is fast too and you don’t need to bother changing directories. Good video though

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! Yep, many ways to do this.

[@andysmith7903]

Fantastic, just moving to Pixinsight. Would be great to see the same using Pixinsight and no Photo shop.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! I've been tossing around the idea of starting some PI tutorials. Haven't decided yet.

[@cherylwilcox9648]

Ok, got through with RGB Compositing, and my image in Siril is now monochrome where yours was in color. Any idea what I did wrong? I had calibration files for the RGB and Ha data for the North American/Pelican I took last night through a Rokinon 135mm and the 533MC Pro ZWO camera, and followed step by step on setting up my folder structure, using OSC_Preprocessing for the RGB stack, OSC_ExtractHa for the Ha stack; separated the RGB channels of the RGB stack using Extraction>Split Channels, then ran RGB_Composition to register and align the R/G/B/Ha channels together. I did RGB Compositing and selected each proper "r" file per the colors_conversions text file and assigned the correct "r" file to their respective channels and saved it as a 32-bit FIT file in the Prep working directory. Some gorgeous Ha data there, but my recombined image is monochrome like the Ha stack FIT file is. Help, please!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Sounds like you've done everything correctly. You're not by chance just viewing on of the individual channels are you? Top-left of the screen, you should be on the RGB, not R, G, or B.

[@cherylwilcox9648]

@@DeepSpaceAstro RGB, not individual channels. Will try it again later to see if I get a better result.

[@barneyrubble9309]

Compared to the auto stretch at 9.14 you seem to have left a lot of the Ha data on the table particularly to the bottom right?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I don't think I did. I just pulled up the processed image and I can see the data. I may have been able to bump it up a little more, but it looks good for doing a quick processing session for the video.

[@jesuschrist2284]

Would really appreciate similar video to show how to also include the O3 part of the dual narrowband data? If its even possible? Thanks again

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

This video shows how to use it for a Hubble look kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHXLgKWBq7Jqfbc

[@jesuschrist2284]

@@DeepSpaceAstro wow ty again

[@Cosmic_Gypsy]

The only thing I do not like about Siril is the denoise. It does absolutely nothing.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Yeah it's better suited for mono data.

[@theHDRflightdeck]

I tried to add Ha data to my RGB of M101 but the luminance method doesn't seem to work for it!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I was thinking about that. Did it dim down the galaxy? This may not be the best method for galaxies. I plan on shooting Andromeda this year in RGB and with the L-Extreme, and try blending the 2 with pixel math. Sorry if it's not working out for you.

[@theHDRflightdeck]

Yeah, you can barely see the RGB data in the end. I tried adding the Ha as a separate redish color but cant find the right blend. @@DeepSpaceAstro

[@bikramghosh1]

Rich, can this be done for widefield Orion as well? Trying to get my feet wet with Siril to enhance my widefield processing further. Thanks. 🙏

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Yeah it should work with anything with Ha. The only exception is I don't think this method would work well galaxies. I've had one person try, and it really dimmed down the image.

[@bikramghosh1]

@DeepSpaceAstro thanks for responding, Rich. Will play with this - with my very limited knowledge about DSO processing and Siril of course I had a go couple of days back. With my stretches it was looking like a horrible red splash. I'm trying to find some processing videos for widefield astro landscapes. Would be really good if you are able to do a quick demo. TIA. Have a great day

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

@bikramghosh1 The process would be the same as I showed in the video. The FOV wouldn't matter

[@michaeledmonds3027]

You SO have this stuff down. Very cool, detailed, fast-paced video. Thanks, Michael

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@flowshotz95]

Thank you for the video! Besides the luminance and channel splitting/combining, I’m learning new things from watching your processing workflow! Any chance for a workflow/processing video?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I've been considering it. Thanks!

[@TedByrneTV]

Fantastic, thanks! 🙏🏼 🌌

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thank you!

[@davidfrith1782]

Another great vid Rich. And again something I'd been trying to work out how to do properly in Siril. M33 for me so I added an Ha channel in RGB composition rather than using luminance. Worked brilliantly. Cheers

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! Awesome! Glad to hear you found a process that works well for you!

[@Philobr]

I was given a HA clip in filter for my DSLR and wasnt sure how to use properly, this is a great video and breaks down exactly what I need to do. Thanks.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@whyf16uy]

awesome as usual

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thank you!

[@ermescabas610]

Beautiful and alternative video ... as usual. Question that will probably seem stupid. But did you obtain the Ha data by replacing the camera or did you just insert a Ha filter after collecting the RGB data? Bye bye.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! Same equipment, just slid in the filter for the Ha session.

[@anthonygondola3086]

Rich, thanks for going into such extended and detailed process on this. I was especially interested in how you apply the hyperbolic stretch function. Most explanations of that on the web are far to complicated. I can actually understand your approach. Thank you!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much!

[@mattitech0755]

Amazing video, I was waiting for it. However I was wondering, since I use a Seestar, how can I use the Extract Ha script without calibration frames. Is that possible? Thanks

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

You can use this modified script that doesn't require the calibration frames, but I wouldn't expect great results since these scripts are intended for those who are using dual narrowband filters. My understanding is the Seestar does not. 1drv.ms/u/s!Aii2lourR1D0gah1FKAdHEQd30BPlg?e=rgzumt

[@mattitech0755]

@@DeepSpaceAstro Thank you so much. Actually the Seestar uses a dual band filter. I tried it and it works on some data but on others it struggles or even fails to stack at all because it can't find enough star pairs in the image, is there a way I can modify the method of star detection in the script?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Take a look at Siril's Seestar script. Under the Align Lights section you'll see how the relax star detection with the "filter-round setting". You should be able to do the same with any other script.

[@mattitech0755]

@@DeepSpaceAstro So you mean I should just add that line in the new script?

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

You'd have to add it in both places for Ha and OIII and make sure each line matches the sequence name. That should work, but I haven't messed with it,

[@wiliamroy8665]

Terrific video! So much easier and better than the pixel math and manual registration processes I used. Thanks!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks!

[@OVRCOME]

Great Workflow. Definitely going to be trying this. Thank you🎉

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thank you!

[@thomasw5542]

I really enjoy your videos : nicely edited, clear, straight to point ! Thx man !

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@AngelMonticelli]

Really nice process you have here. I'll try this asap! Thanks for sharing!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thank you!

[@TomRechlicz]

Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos. They have been extremely educational for me.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@robertovolpini9359]

Hi Rich, do you think it make sense to add an Ha filter to the OSC color camera? in order to renforce the deep of the picture captured using a color camera? Ciao Roberto

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

That's what I did in the video. Added the Ha from a session with an OSC using the L-Extreme, to an RGB image. Or am I not understanding your question?

[@robertovolpini9359]

@@DeepSpaceAstro sorry if I wasn't clear, what I didn't understand is how you captured the Ha signal, in the sense that the L-extreme filter is a double band and therefore also lets Oiii pass. If you use a color OSC to extract only the Ha component did you use only the R channel? so as luminance to add we only have 25% of the signal, sorry but this step is not clear to me in the video...

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

@robertovolpini9359 I show that process in the video. I ran a script to extract only the Ha.

[@robertovolpini9359]

@@DeepSpaceAstro Hi Rich, I carefully followed your instructions and now I managed to do the combination with Ha 🤩 I had a small problem because I use an OSC CMOS (IMX294) so ​​I can't do the biases, I solved it by replacing the biases with darkflats, see you in the next video ciao Roberto PS I read on the official Siril group that you are very famous 🤭👍

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Great to hear! I don't about "famous". 😂 Thanks!

[@smacka62]

Wow. 😮 Brilliant channel. 😊 Thanks Rich

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@cjmenagh882]

Great video. Steps to follow and get the job done efficiently.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@astroshooter1960]

Nice... H/a added to RGB always makes it pop... 😊

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks! It definitely does!

[@TalGivoly]

Great video. Supposing I start this process with two fits files from calibrated live stacks. One without a filter or just some l-pro. And the other with a dual narrowband. So I don’t have the raw calibration frames. How do I begin with these and just register and align them before the processing? The scripts seem irrelevant, right? Thanks!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I'd try splitting them both out to RGB, only keep the R from the narrowband, and then run the RGB_Composition script against the 4 of them.

[@TalGivoly]

​@@DeepSpaceAstro Okay. I'll try that. I don't have yet narrowband filters for my main rigs (on order on way). But I have dual band from SE50 that might go with the data from main rig. Different resolutions, but I wonder how well that would work... So I take same object sometimes on two different rigs with different filters simultaneously... Need to try that. Tx!

[@Tony-Elliott]

Great tutorial thanks for taking the time to make these video

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks!

[@yervantparnagian5999]

Rich, great work as always!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks!

[@SpaceRocksandStardust]

Awesome! Just going to start shooting in mono, this is perfect timing! Thanks Rich!👍🏻

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

I've have to make the jump to mono one of these days! I love the ease of OSC, but man the details I see that you can get with mono is amazing!

[@SpaceRocksandStardust]

Yeah! I have been sitting on the 533mm since last summer, been waiting on the new scope to show up for its first light since my Redcat was a disaster😮

[@TL1000S97]

Thanks!

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks so much! Much appreciated!

[@Naztronomy]

Great video, Rich! I need to try this in Siril. I've only ever integrated Ha in APP, never tried in Siril. I joined in the last 5 minutes of the premiere so I missed most of the interactions and I'm watching from the beginning now.

[@DeepSpaceAstro]

Thanks Naz! I need to work out a workflow to do this with Pixel Math next. I think it would give us a lot better control of the blend.

[@Naztronomy]

@@DeepSpaceAstro That would be cool!