New FC plugin for solar flare detection

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RTJoe
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New FC plugin for solar flare detection

Post by RTJoe »

Hello,

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
The plugin checks the Space Weather Prediction Center website every 30s for the current 1 minute average flux data of the 0.1-0.8 nm passband.

Note: You need a permanent internet connection for execution of this plugin!

Here is the screenshot of the plugin setup dialog:

Image

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


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marktownley
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Re: New FC plugin for solar flare detection

Post by marktownley »

Very interesting indeed, thanks!


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Re: New FC plugin for solar flare detection

Post by Montana »

Wow!! that is quite a tool :bow well done. The only problem is does it come with a cloud filter too :) only joking :)

Alexandra


RTJoe
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Re: New FC plugin for solar flare detection

Post by RTJoe »

Hi Alexandra,

it does come with a cloud filter for the X-Ray flux sensor. You only need a cloud filter for your scope… ;)

Joachim


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