High-Level Project Summary
We have developed a 3D model of a shining Sun as a layout/decor element, which will read the indicators and active areas of the Sun from the Parker station in real time and based on that the relevant part/sector on the model will change its color. Separately, we have developed a station that will notify about the temperature of the solar wind via LCD monitor. Furthermore, for people with vision problems, we have added to our station a vibro-motor and it’s intensity of vibrations depends on the speed of the solar wind. In addition an indicator of 5 LEDs is fixed on the station panel and the number of its lights up depend on the temperature value received.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
The project uses a NodeMcu microcontroller that accesses NASA sites and receives real-time data on solar wind speed, temperature and active regions/parts of the sun.
The spherical element is assembled from 200 addressable RBG LEDs and lights up yellow by default. Further, sectors on certain positions (received coordinates of active regions) light up in orange.
Visualization of sunspots allows us to predict phenomena or changes on the Earth. Scientists noticed and assessed a pattern that when the number of spots on the sun was absent, this led to the little ice age in certain parts of the Earth. Also, the absence of spots means that there is a possible solar flare and, depending on the strength of the burst, there is a possibility of signal interference foreseen. In the presence of a large number or increase of sunspots, the level of ultraviolet radiation rises.
The speed and temperature data are displayed on the LCD monitor. There is also a LED indicator consisting of 5 LEDs and depending on the temperature level, a certain number of LEDs light up.
There are 4 vibration motors installed inside of the station, depending on the wind speed, a certain number of motors are turned on. This function allows people with poor eyesight to tactilely feel and follow the phenomena or changes in the sun. In addition, a vertical line of illuminated LEDs rotate at a certain speed around the sphere.
The program was written on the Arduino software using the C++ programming language, and the device's case was modeled in the Blender program.
Space Agency Data
In our project, data of the solar wind speed and temperature are obtained from NOAA/NWS Space Weather Prediction Center (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/). It provides data that we use within minutes of when it is collected from space.
Hackathon Journey
We would like to express our gratitude to American Space Dushanbe, US Embassy, for the opportunity to participate in the international hackathon. For two days, we were provided with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable participation. I also thank the invited mentors for their professionalism, willingness to share knowledge and help.
References
https://www.solarmonitor.org/
https://www.sidc.be/spaceweatherservices/applications/solarmap/
https://iswa.gsfc.nasa.gov/IswaSystemWebApp/
https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/real-time-solar-wind
https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas
https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/spaceweather/
https://lasp.colorado.edu/space-weather-portal/tutorials
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-wind/plasma-5-minute.json
Tags
#RobX #ASD #Nasa2022 #SunSphere