Experimenting with the new PixInsight Tool - VeraLux HMS

Like in any tech field, advancements in technology, tools, and processes keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and astrophotography is no exception. Just last week, a new tool called VeraLux HyperMetric Stretch, originally created for Siril/Python by Riccardo Paterniti, was released as a script for PixInsight, my preferred processing software. Touted as the “next best thing since sliced bread” and a “game changer” for astrophotographers, I couldn’t resist giving it a try to see what all the buzz was about.

Although I first tried it on my latest photo of the M35 star cluster (shown below), I was eager to really put it to the test on a narrowband image.

I chose IC1848, the Soul Nebula, for its expansive nebulosity and rich stellar gas. I first photographed it in November 2022 and added more data in December 2023. The original 2022 image was over-processed, with excessive vibrancy. After adding the new subs in 2023, I re-processed the image using some new software tools that weren’t available back in 2022—Russell Croman’s BlurXterminator and NoiseXterminator - and with new wisdom of how to properly handle image stretching and color enhancement.

November 2022

December 2023

The difference is clear. The 2022 image was a bit over-the-top, with overly saturated colors and contrast so strong it hid some details in the heart of the nebula. The 2023 image, on the other hand, offers a more subdued and realistic look, revealing intricate details throughout the inner nebula. While the additional data from 2023 played a big role in enhancing the detail, the processing was also done with a softer, more refined touch.

December 2025 - enter VeraLux HyperMetric Stretch. VeraLux operates on a fundamental axiom: standard histogram transformations often destroy the photometric relationships between color channels (hue shifts). And although one can (and I have) spend hours using the existing stretching tools to accomplish the same task Veralux does it with a single push of a button (well, maybe two). Here is the result of taking the original calibrated subs from the 2023 version of the nebula and using Veralux as the only stretching process.

The results are impressive. With minimal effort, I matched the outcome without the tedious manual stretching required by HistogramTransformation (HT) or GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch (GHS). The stars look less bloated and more vibrant, and the subdued star field really makes the nebula stand out as the focal point of the image. I do wonder about the authenticity of some of the star colors, but overall, the result is solid.

VeraLux is still in its beta stage, and I expect it to keep improving, but it has already secured a spot in my toolbox as my go-to stretching software.

Soldiers Delight Star Party - December 20, 2025

 

Soldiers Delight Star Party - December 20, 2025

Don't miss the next SD Star Party, where we will be discussing Exoplanets. 

"The Search for Exoplanets"

Tonight we embark on an exciting journey beyond our solar system to explore the fascinating world of exoplanets and the quest for habitable zones. The search for exoplanets—planets orbiting stars outside our solar system—has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and our place within it. With advancements in technology and the dedication of astronomers worldwide, we have discovered thousands of these distant worlds, each with its own unique characteristics. Our discussion will delve into the methods used to detect these planets, the criteria that define a habitable zone, and the implications of finding potentially life-supporting environments beyond Earth. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of these distant realms and consider the profound question: Are we alone in the universe?

Whether you’re a stargazing novice or an astrophysics enthusiast, this lecture promises wonder, knowledge, and cosmic camaraderie."

All ages welcome.

All programs rain or shine. Time machines will be provided by the Westminster Astronomy Club.

Activity: Where Are the Distant Worlds? and "What is the "Habitable Zone"?

You can find out about special local events by contacting us at https://www.westminsterastro.org/

Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Location: Soldiers Delight Environmental Area - Visitor Center

5100 Deer Park Rd.

Owings Mills, MD 21117

NGC 1579 - The “Northern Trifid" nebula

NGC 1579, often called the “Northern Trifid,” is a striking star-forming nebula in Perseus. About 2,100 light-years away and spanning roughly 3 light-years, it blends glowing red hydrogen emission with vivid blue reflection nebulae, all threaded by dramatic dark dust lanes. At its heart lies the massive young star LkHα 101, whose intense radiation illuminates the surrounding gas and dust, creating a vivid contrast of colors and textures. This dusty stellar nursery, part of the California Molecular Cloud, mirrors the beauty of the more famous Trifid Nebula in Sagittarius.

With my Bortle 5-6 skies it is a challenge to get decent RGB images, and I am still learning all the techniques that contribute to accomplishing this ‘feat’. Although I see now that more data is needed, this attempt was satisfying enough for me to post.

Image captured using my EdgeHD-11 telescope and ZWO-ASI2600mm camera. This is a SHORGB image, mixing the narrowband SHO subs and the broadband RGB subs. Taken over the period November 23-29, 2025, a total of just over 12 hours integration time.