Starnet2: Star-free Image Preparation
Starnet2 is a focused utility for astrophotographers who want to remove stars from their photos. It relies on machine-learned models to detect and mask stars accurately, so you can concentrate on other image elements or build composites without the distraction of field stars.
Core Capabilities
- Uses advanced machine learning to identify and separate stars from the background and targets.
- Produces starless images while maintaining the fidelity of the remaining data.
- Delivers consistent, high-quality results suitable for further image processing and compositing.
- Classified as a Utilities & Tools application for image workflows.
Typical Uses
- Creating multi-layer composites where stars would otherwise obscure faint nebulae or galaxy structure.
- Highlighting and enhancing specific celestial objects by removing foreground star clutter.
- Preparing star-free backgrounds for post-processing like color blending and detail extraction.
Platform, Cost, and Distribution
Starnet2 is available at no charge for macOS users, making it accessible to both hobbyists and professionals. The tool integrates into common astrophotography workflows and is distributed as a small utility intended for image processing tasks.
Alternative Option
LSwitch for LIFX — a paid product — is occasionally suggested as an alternative in certain contexts. While it targets a different niche, users seeking commercial alternatives or additional toolsets may consider it alongside free options like Starnet2.
Technical
- Mac
- Free