Youth Capture the Colorful Cosmos



Image Processing Challenges

We will work through these challenges together



Prudential Image Processing Challenge


Download TowerChallenge.FITS »


Part 1

Can you make this image:

Tower Challenge

Look like this one?

Tower Challenge 1

Here are some things to try:

  • In the software, go to Window > Image Info. A small box should appear on the top right of your screen.

  • Roll your cursor over the image of the Prudential Center. Notice how the X, Y, and Pixel Value numbers change.

    • What do these numbers mean?

    • Try to find the highest pixel value you can.

  • At the top of the window, go to Process -> Adjust Image

  • Try putting different numbers into the MIN and MAX fields. What happens?



Part 2


Can you make this image:

Tower Challenge

Look like this one?

Tower Challenge 2

Here are some things to try:

  • Try changing the MAX and MIN values to try to make the pictures match.



Moon Image Processing Challenge


Download MoonChallenge.FITS »


Part 1


Can you make this image:

Moon Challenge

Look like this one?

Moon CHallenge 1


Here are some things to try:

  • In the software, go to Process > Sharpen. How did the image change?

  • Click on the magnifying glass at the top of your image to Zoom into the crater in the middle of the moon.

  • Go to Process > Adjust Image and change your MAX and MIN values to adjust the contrast of the image.

  • To play with your image some more, go to Process > Color Tables


  • Once you are happy with the way your crater looks, select the dashed square to select the crater part of your image.

  • Go to Process > Crop



Part 2



Can you make this image:

Tower Challenge

Look like this one?

Moon Challenge 2

Here are some things to try:

  • Use the ZOOM, SHARPEN, ADJUST IMAGE, and CROP tools again to make your moon look like the Moon2 image.





Orion Nebula Image Processing Challenge


Download NebulaChallenge.FITS »


Part 1


Can you make this image:

Nebula Challenge

Look like this one?

Tower Challenge 1


Here are some things to try:

  • Go to Process -> Adjust Image

  • Choose Log and then click Auto. What is different about the image?



Part 2



Can you make this image:

Nebula Challenge

Look like this one?

Nebula Challenge 2


Here are some things to try:

  • Choose Log and then click Auto on this new image

  • Click on the magnifying glass icon at the top of the NebulaChallenge.FITS window.

  • Click on the center of the nebula to zoom in

  • Set your MAX value to the highest pixel value you can find and hit enter. What happens?





Hercules Star Cluster Processing Challenge



Download StarClusterChallenge.FITS »


Can you make this image:

Cluster Challenge

Look like this one?

Cluster Challenge 1

What can you do to see as many stars as possible?

  • hint: Go to Process -> Adjust Image





Whirlpool Galaxy Processing Challenge


Download GalaxyChallenge.FITS »


Can you make this image:

Galaxy Challenge

Look like this one?

Galaxy Challenge 1

What can you do to see as much detail as possible?

  • hint: Go to Process -> Adjust Image






RGB Flower Processing Challenge



Download the 3 Flower Challenge Images »


Note, these are 3 .GIF images in a zip file



We will combine these 3 images...

Flower R Challenge Flower G Challenge Flower B Challenge

To make a full color image!

Flower Challenge



RGB Orion Processing Challenge



Download the 3 Orion Challenge Images »


Note, these are 3 .FITS images in a zip file

We will combine these 3 images...

Galaxy Challenge Galaxy Challenge Galaxy Challenge

To make a full color image!

Flower Challenge