Lunar Crescent Detection Based on Image Processing Algorithms

For many years lunar crescent visibility has been studied by many astronomers. Different criteria have been used to predict and evaluate the visibility status of new Moon crescents. Powerful equipment such as telescopes and binoculars have changed capability of observations. Most of conventional statistical criteria made wrong predictions when new observations (based on modern equipment) were reported. In order to verify such reports and modify criteria, not only previous statistical parameters should be considered but also some new and effective parameters like high magnification, contour effect, low signal to noise, eyestrain and weather conditions should be viewed. In this paper a new method is presented for lunar crescent detection based on processing of lunar crescent images. The method includes two main steps, first, an image processing algorithm that improves signal to noise ratio and detects lunar crescents based on circular Hough transform (CHT). Second using an algorithm based on image histogram processing to detect the crescent visually. Final decision is made by comparing the results of visual and CHT algorithms. In order to evaluate the proposed method, a database, including 31 images are tested. The illustrated method can distinguish and extract the crescent that even the eye can't recognize. Proposed method significantly reduces artifacts, increases SNR and can be used easily by both groups astronomers and who want to develop a new criterion as a reliable method to verify empirical observation.