A solar spectrograph is a device that detects radio-frequency (RF) emissions from the Sun as a result of solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). As a part of the Callisto global warning system, it has the capability to autonomously track the Sun, monitor emissions, and save data to a server in Zurich, with little to no data corruption as a result of local interference. This would allow for accurate early warning of dangerous induced blackouts and total satellite loss. The existing scope can only record the raw data. It is not autonomous, nor does it work during night-time hours, account for interference, or save data off-site for global reference.

The goals of this project are to add autonomous operation, process the raw data and save it to the Swiss server, account for local interference, and ensure that the system remains both weather and wildlife resistant. This all needs to be done with as much of the existing hardware of the scope as possible, and with all software development in-house.

Team Logo

Project Name

RIT Autonomous Solar Spectrometer

Project Number

P19571

Start Term

Fall 2018

End Term

Spring 2019

Faculty Guide

Martin Pepe

Primary Customer

Martin Pepe

Sponsor (financial support)

ASRAS- Astronomy Section Rochester Academy of Science

Sponsor

Planning & Execution

Project Photos and Videos

Imagine RIT

Gate Reviews

Problem Definition

Systems Design

Preliminary Detailed Design

Detailed Design

Build & Test Prep

Subsystem Build & Test

Integrated System Build & Test

Customer Handoff & Final Project Documentation (Verification & Validation)