[meteorite-list] OT: all-sky camera

From: Chris Peterson <clp_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:08:18 -0700
Message-ID: <50E60F62.3030901_at_alumni.caltech.edu>

There are a number of off-the-shelf allsky cameras suitable for your
"other sky phenomena" requirement. But if meteor observing is high on
your list, there are not. For meteors, you want a normal video frame
rate (typically 30 fps), B&W, no integration features, no long exposure
features. You also need an enclosure that will resist dewing and
frosting. I haven't seen anything commercial that meets these requirements.

If you're willing to put your own system together (not very hard), we've
been using this one: http://www.cloudbait.com/projects/allskycamera.html
very successfully for a dozen years now. There is no more sensitive
meteor imager without using image intensifiers. The plans aren't very
detailed, but if you decide to build one I can provide more information.

If you want to record both meteors as well as dim sky phenomena and
nighttime weather, I'd recommend two allsky cameras, as the technical
requirements for the two tasks are very different.

Chris

*******************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com

On 1/2/2013 1:29 PM, Elizabeth Warner wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Since we have a number of meteor/fireball observers in addition to all
> of the collectors, I hope this won't be too off-topic.
>
> Need some help... I am looking to get an all-sky camera for the Univ. of
> MD Observatory (www.astro.umd.edu/openhouse) and am looking for
> recommendations/reviews (why you like or don't like what you have) of
> various systems.
>
> I'm not exactly a gadget person and would prefer an off-the-shelf system
> -- SBIG, Orion, Moonglow Tech, are there others? But if there is a
> website with super clear instructions on building a system, we would
> consider building one. Purpose would be to observe meteors, fireballs as
> well as other sky phenomena.
>
> My email is warnerem at astro.umd.edu
>
> Clear Skies!
> Elizabeth Warner
> UMD Observatory Coordinator
> warnerem at astro.umd.edu
> 301-405-6555
Received on Thu 03 Jan 2013 06:08:18 PM PST