Currently on the solar eclipse team, SE2017 - The Sunspots, we are working on post flight analysis for NSE-012 and the photometers. The photometers seem to be overloaded when in full sun so we are working on developing shading schemes. the circuit diagram is below. We're using a op amp to boost the small current from the LEDto a voltage that we can read. We've yet to see what LED types can be used for varying frequencies. I would like to get readings at 4 different frequencies. We're taking our lead from Forrest M. Mimms designs. We want to find tune and calibrate the photometers tomorrow.
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2 freshmen students were chosen to initiate work on the solar eclipse launch SCADA (System Control And Data Acquisition) device. They were chosen because they showed high levels of motivation and ability. Their summer task was to acquaint themselves with Parallax Basic Stamps, obtain a HAM radio licence, and work towards getting a radio to link with a Basic Stamp via a radio modem. A daunting task.
This year two students have signed up for dual enrollment with Near Space Engineering. One student will be investigating if it is possible to design the experiment module in such a way as to have it weather cock with the winds. While the winds are variable there should be pockets of relative consistency which would yield a constant pointing orientation. This project is in anticipation of needing a relatively stable orientation for the solar eclipse launch. The second project is about acoustics. I'm not sure of the details as of yet. In addition we will be carrying the 4th grade pongsats again this year.
In Aug of 2017 there will be a total solar eclipse that will transect the United States from Oregon across to South Carolina. In the works is a joint effort between each state's NASA Space Consortium's in which a high altitude balloon from each consortium will carry aloft a video camera that will have a live video feed to a NASA website so a person could see the eclipse live as it crosses the U.S.. I have been selected as the lead for the Idaho Consortium. It will be a fun activity and I look forward to involving my students in the endeavor. More to come.
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