A method of complex background estimation in astronomical images

• Published in: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Vol. 452; no. 1; pp. 809 - 823
• Main Authors: Popowicz, A., Smolka, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Oxford University Press 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Algorithms; Cosmic rays; Estimating techniques; Estimators; Extraction; Galaxies; Impulses; Nebulae; Physical properties; Pixels; Star & galaxy formation; Tuning; techniques: image processing
• ISSN: 0035-8711; 1365-2966
• DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stv1320

In this paper, we present a novel approach to the estimation of strongly varying backgrounds in astronomical images by means of small-objects removal and subsequent missing pixels interpolation. The method is based on the analysis of a pixel local neighbourhood and utilizes the morphological distance transform. In contrast to popular background-estimation techniques, our algorithm allows for accurate extraction of complex structures, like galaxies or nebulae. Moreover, it does not require multiple tuning parameters, since it relies on physical properties of CCD image sensors – the gain and the readout noise characteristics. The comparison with other widely used background estimators revealed higher accuracy of the proposed technique. The superiority of the novel method is especially significant for the most challenging fluctuating backgrounds. The size of filtered-out objects is tunable; therefore, the algorithm may eliminate a wide range of foreground structures, including the dark current impulses, cosmic rays or even entire galaxies in deep field images.