Now we use "Curves" to bring out the faint stars. This is probably the most important, at least the most dramatic, part of the processing task. The "Curves" feature of PSP is very powerful and proper use of it can be invaluable in astronomical image processing.

Click on the curve and drag it up and to the left until the faint stars start to show. Do not over do it here. We will apply this step again to bring out more stars. If you try to do it all at once you will start to bring out noise in the background. In this step the multiple use of curves is recommended. We will use 3 applications of curves on this image. With each application of the curves filter you will make progressively less of a change. Notice in the screen shots that the curve is "straighter" and the point is lower as you progress with the application of curves. You will need to experiment with the exact placement, but you see the general progression.

Use a second application of curves. PSP will remember the last filter setting and you should reset the curve filter before you apply it. Click on the little button in the upper right of the filter window to reset. This is the button with the little curved arrow in it. This feature is applicable to all filters.

Now use the third application of curves.

We're making progress!