StarNet++ is a simple program that allows you to remove the stars from your astrophotography images. I think it is an invaluable tool to have when processing your images, and I personally use it all the time. I first heard about StarNet++ from Chuck Ayoub on his YouTube Channel. He used it to remove the…
Astrophotography resources include software, mobile apps, websites, and generally great information that can take your skills to the next level. The right software and tools can save you from unnecessary headaches and help you enjoy the art of astrophotography on new levels. It is important to maximize your time under the stars and make sure…
The following astrophotography tutorials are designed to help you improve your photography and image-processing skills. You will find beginner-friendly tips for producing astrophotography images like the ones on this website. You’ll find powerful image acquisition techniques, recommended equipment, best practices in the field, and advanced image processing techniques to accelerate your progress. Combined with the…
While astrophotographers use image stacking software to pre-process and calibrate their image data, image processing software handles the next stage of the workload. For deep-sky and solar system astrophotography, a typical workflow involves a stacking and calibration stage, followed by an image processing (post-processing) stage. In this article, we’ll focus on the second half of…
Cygnus Workshop Data Resources: StarNet V2 Astronomy Tools Action Set Noise Xterminator Star Xterminator
I’ve taken some amazing astrophotos this year, and I want to share the exact equipment I used in my approach and even some processing tips. After all – I know you’re super pumped about the images I take – right? But in reality, if I can’t provide useful information about how you can do it…
There are so many astrophotography accessories available today to complement your deep-sky or wide-field astrophotography setup. It can be overwhelming to narrow down the ones that will enhance your imaging experience since you usually don’t find out you need the accessory until after a few imaging sessions. Some of the most essential astrophotography accessories include…
The Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443) is a supernova remnant located in the constellation Gemini. This nebula is approximately 5000 light-years from Earth and is estimated to be roughly 70 light-years in size. In the wide-field telescopic view below, you’ll notice two bright stars, Tejat, and Propus (Tejat Prior). The locate the Jellyfish Nebula with your…
Last updated: October 7, 2025. The Astronomy Tools Action Set (sometimes called “Carboni’s Tools“) is a collection of one-click Photoshop “actions” that allow you to save time during the image processing stages of astrophotography. An action set can pack a lot of complex operations into a few clicks, helping you produce repeatable results that are…
This section of the AstroBackyard website is for you to hone your astrophotography image processing skills. It is very interesting to see different takes on the same data set, using a variety of software to accomplish the job. Astrophotography images require careful image processing techniques to reveal the faint and beautiful details that lie within…
The Soul Nebula (Westerhout 5, Sharpless 2-199, LBN 667) is a large emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia. This Nebula is often included with its nearest neighbor, creating the ‘Heart and Soul Nebula’. It is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky. The apparent size of this deep-sky object from Earth makes…
If you are looking to learn astrophotography and the process of capturing deep-sky objects with your DSLR and telescope, you may find the information below of value. By watching my techniques from the backyard, you will understand how to go about capturing images yourself. No matter your current skill level in astrophotography, you can always…