Interested in taking a few snapshots of the likely auroras from the recent solar flare the Sun sent our way?
It's reported that we'll have the biggest solar radiation storm in over 7 years thanks to the Earth-directed CME (coronal mass ejection). But if you live in the right place, and just happen to be outside at the perfect time (9 a.m. EST tomorrow, give or take seven hours), you might just witness a beautiful auroral display.
If you don't want to wait outside all day, follow in the footsteps of Alexander Avtanski, who built a DIY magnetometer to measure disruptions in the Earth's magnetic field. Alex calls his project a torsion magnetometer.
In the magnetometer setup, two mirrors are strapped back-to-back on a magnet connected to a string. A cheap laser pointer shines a laser onto a mirror, then is reflected back to an array of sensors—a pair of photoresistors encased in PVC pipe. Changes in the Earth's magnetic field move the mirror, twisting the thread, changing the laser position on the sensor, which is then recorded and plotted on a chart.
If just happen to have all the material ready (and the time to do it), then you might just be able to record the auroral activity from tomorrow morning's geomagnetic storm.
To see exactly how it works and how to build it, check out Alex's details and instructions. If you want, you can just skip to the schematics to see how the sensor works.
Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Jump-start your career with our Premium A-to-Z Microsoft Excel Training Bundle from the new Gadget Hacks Shop and get lifetime access to more than 40 hours of Basic to Advanced instruction on functions, formula, tools, and more.
Other worthwhile deals to check out:
- 97% off The Ultimate 2021 White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle
- 98% off The 2021 Accounting Mastery Bootcamp Bundle
- 99% off The 2021 All-in-One Data Scientist Mega Bundle
- 59% off XSplit VCam: Lifetime Subscription (Windows)
- 98% off The 2021 Premium Learn To Code Certification Bundle
- 62% off MindMaster Mind Mapping Software: Perpetual License
- 41% off NetSpot Home Wi-Fi Analyzer: Lifetime Upgrades
2 Comments
AWESOME! totally making this!!!!
Do it! Let us know how it goes.
Share Your Thoughts