today I would like to introduce a new FireCapture plugin for solar flare detection.
This plugin provides automated image recording sessions (e.g. for time-lapse imaging) based on the current X-ray flux. It uses flux data of the GOES satellite provided by the Space Weather Prediction Center (http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/).
Plugin features:
- Recording is started if flux reaches configured minimum threshold
- Recording is stopped after configured time
- After recording is stopped and after a configured pause time, a new recording run can be started automatically
- The maximum number of recording runs is configurable
Note: You need a permanent internet connection for execution of this plugin!
Here is the screenshot of the plugin setup dialog:
The settings in the example above will start recording as soon as the X-ray flux reaches or exceeds flare class M1. As long as the flux is above this level it captures files of 45s length, limited to a maximum of 15 files. After each captured file, there is a pause of 5 minutes (300s).
The FireCapture Plugin requires the (currently) latest FC version 2.5 beta (2.5.08).
You can find the plugin for download on my website: http://www.joachim-stehle.de/flaredetect_eng.html. Have a look into the documentation for a detailed description how to install and use the plugin.
Feel free to download the software and report your comments.
Thanks to Pedro for the permission to use his flare images.
Unfortunately there is currently very low solar flare activity…
Joachim