Flat Frames

updated: 2023-11-18

Flat Frames (or white frames) are used to capture flat calibration frames and belong to the group of calibration frames.

These frames should be taken during every imaging session because they depend on the alignment of the entire imaging train.
Flat frames normally target a mean ADU of 22,000 to 25,000, but this will depend on camera and user preference.
If your flats data is defined (per filter), selecting a flats event will automatically populate the saved exposure time (for the selected binning).

Important:

GAIN must be set to an identical value as the light frames you want to calibrate
Filters: If filters have been used you need a set of Flat Frames for every filter
Focal Length of the optical equipment must be the same as for the light frames
Focus must be identical as for the light frames
Exposure: set exposure time to AUTO or to any other value depending in the brightness
Temperature: no temperature requirements
No. of Flat frames: typically the same amount of flats as light frames (but 20 photos are typically enough)
Use a evenly-lit light source, e.g. twilight sky, laptop screen, light panel, light box, TV screen, a white T-shirt to cover your telescope or similar.

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