corona-filter-layers git:20261027.77357baA

Immutable. This exact content never changes and is served at /api/v1/blob/38746ee943fa2933.

---
name: corona-filter-layers
description: Create full-canvas solar corona filter layers and optional layered 16-bit Photoshop files from linear eclipse data, preserving existing edits and missing-data masks.
---

# Corona filter layers

Read [setup and operating instructions](../../docs/USAGE.md) before running AEL. Resolve this plugin's root from this skill file and use its bundled launcher. Respond in the user's language. Work on user-selected inputs and write new output directories.

Read [filter recipes](../../docs/DEVELOP.md), [field lessons](../../docs/FIELD_LESSONS.md), and [paper versus library](../../docs/PAPER_AND_LIBRARY.md). Copy [filters_config_template.json](../../examples/filters_config_template.json) to the workspace and replace its sample settings with measured values.

Inputs are a linear image, geometry, validity, geometric coverage and base alpha. A stretched JPEG or finished Photoshop composite is not a linear HDR master. If the user wants to keep a finished edit, preserve it and describe separately whether new detail is recomputed or an existing layer is aligned; consult the [existing-edit case study](../../docs/EXISTING_EDIT_CASE_STUDY.md).

Run `filters --config RECIPE --out NEW_DIR` through the launcher. Use the requested filters, or explain the three default variants (NRGF, WOW and isotropic ACHF). Since 1.3.4 the default WOW measures the noise of the fine scales in the far field, removes rings left by the radial curve along circles around the Sun and treats the edges of the data with symmetric pairs; at the same opacity it is softer than WOW bilateral beyond 2 R☉. The ACHF layers are shown with a level and a spread per ring (`"achf_display": "global"` keeps the old display). The author's opacities are examples for his image, not calibrated settings for another eclipse. Known limitations: ACHF/WOW can make bands along straight data edges; WOW bilateral, no longer a default, can invert faint fine detail or create isophote structure. With two independent stacks, check a layer's fine detail with `ael.gates.fine_detail_fidelity`. Inspect these areas and retain negative checks rather than claiming an artefact-free image.

Apply filters across the whole observed rectangle. Exclude the data-mixing band caused by the moving Moon from the filter input; measure its width for this observation. Do not replace missing data with reflected or generated pixels. ACHF works on log luminance after a smooth radial-profile subtraction, not independently on colour channels. Do not hide artefacts with new masks or smoothing.

Set `photoshop: true` only when a layered Photoshop file is wanted and the dependency is available. The 16-bit display/PSB is not the authoritative signed float master. Retain the NPY arrays, float TIFF, alpha and validity for scientific use. For PixInsight use `photoshop: false` and explicitly export/re-read float TIFF when needed.

Preserve the user's colour profile, masks, manual alignment and limb. Each proposed change is a separate layer or file. Verify PSB bytes with `ael.photoshop.verify` and distinguish that from native Photoshop rendering. Before opening a file in Photoshop, check inside the same script that it is not already open; use a uniquely named copy, save as a copy and close only the document opened by that script.