Technique

Stacking

Combining multiple frames into a single high-quality image

Definition

Stacking is a technique in astrophotography where hundreds or thousands of short-exposure frames are combined into a single image. By averaging multiple frames, random noise is reduced while consistent signal (the actual image) is preserved. In planetary imaging, only the sharpest frames are selected before stacking, a technique called "lucky imaging."

Related Terms

Lucky Imaging

Selecting only the sharpest frames from a video

Seeing

Atmospheric turbulence affecting image sharpness

Alignment

Registering frames so features overlap precisely

Related Algorithms

Median Stacking

The safest choice - naturally rejects outliers and artifacts

Beginner

Weighted Quality Stacking

Your sharpest frames contribute most - ideal for variable seeing

Intermediate

Sigma-Clip Stacking

Statistical outlier rejection - for scientific-quality results

Intermediate

See It In Action

Learn how Stacking is used in planetary imaging with our step-by-step guides:

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Put Your Knowledge to Practice

Now that you understand Stacking, try processing your own planetary video with Uranum.

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