RPi Meteor Camera

thingiverse

Introduction ------------ Every day, thousands of tons of extraterrestrial material falls onto Earth. Although most particles are no bigger than grains of sand, when they hit our atmosphere, they create flashes of light that we often call "shooting stars." These meteors occur at altitudes between 70 and 110 kilometers and are moving at speeds between 11 and 72 kilometers per second. With millions visible to the naked eye each day, we can't help but wonder what they are and where they come from. To try to answer these questions, there are several methods, including tracking meteorites with cameras. One way to track meteors is by using a camera system that captures images of the sky at regular intervals. By analyzing these images, scientists can detect meteors and determine their orbits. Building a Meteor Camera System ------------------------------- A meteor camera system consists of two main components: the camera itself and the computer system that processes the images captured by the camera. The camera is typically mounted on a tripod or other stable platform to ensure it remains level and pointed at the sky. The computer system, which can be a laptop or desktop computer, is used to process the images captured by the camera. Step 1: Assemble the Camera --------------------------- To assemble the camera, you will need several components, including a camera body, a lens, a tripod, and a power source. The camera body is typically a DSLR or mirrorless camera, while the lens is a wide-angle lens that can capture images of the sky. The tripod is used to stabilize the camera and ensure it remains level. Step 2: Connect the Camera to the Computer ----------------------------------------- To connect the camera to the computer, you will need a USB cable or other connection method. Once connected, the computer can read the images captured by the camera and process them using specialized software. Step 3: Process the Images --------------------------- The images captured by the camera are processed using specialized software that detects meteors in the images and determines their orbits. This software is typically designed to work with specific camera systems and may require calibration before use. Step 4: Analyze the Data ------------------------- Once the software has processed the images, it can provide a detailed analysis of the data, including the location and time of each meteor event. This information can be used to track meteors over long periods of time and determine their orbits. Step 5: Share the Data ---------------------- To share the data with other scientists, you will need to upload it to a server or other online platform. This allows others to access the data and use it for their own research purposes. Troubleshooting -------------- If you encounter any issues while building your meteor camera system, there are several resources available to help. The GitHub project page provides detailed documentation and troubleshooting guides, as well as contact information for the developers in case of questions or issues. Conclusion ---------- Building a meteor camera system is a complex task that requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of astronomy and computer programming. However, with the right equipment and software, it can be a rewarding hobby that provides valuable insights into the behavior of meteors and their orbits.