The two plug-ins we will focus on are the Background Gradient and Rounds Stars functions, to first flatten an uneven background and then control bloated or trailing stars. Use the ‘Background Gradient’ filter to flatten the uneven backgroundFirst, right-click on the base layer and select New from Visible. Now to reduce the appearance of the background stars that currently overwhelm the image and detract from the main target. Apply Rounds Stars to control these (click Filters > Astronomy). After applying ‘Rounds Stars’, use a black layer mask to paint through any bright stars you’d like to keep.
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