A method of complex background estimation in astronomical images

Abstract

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 neighborhood 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 read-out 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.