Key Takeaways
- Build a DIY iRobota-powered Star Track device to accurately point and track celestial objects.
- Utilize sidereal time and gyroscope technology for precise pointing, enabling exploration of the night sky like never before.
- Access user-friendly control, open-source resources, and venture into astrophotography, capturing stunning images of celestial wonders.
Imagine yourself under a star-studded sky, your gaze fixed on a distant celestial wonder. With Star Track, an iRobota-powered device, you can embark on an astronomical journey, pointing and tracking celestial objects with remarkable precision.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Cosmos
Inspired by GoTo telescope mounts, Star Track brings the wonders of the universe to your fingertips. This DIY project consists of a 3D-printed structure, two iRobotas (Uno and Nano), a gyroscope, an RTC module, two low-cost 5V stepper motors, and a laser pointer. It features two axes: a 360-degree rotating axis for Right Ascension (RA) and an up-down axis for Declination (DEC).
Precise Pointing with Sidereal Time and Gyroscope
The RA axis is aligned with the North Celestial Pole, and an iRobota connected to an RTC calculates and tracks RA with sidereal time. To accurately point the mount to specific degrees, a gyroscope is used on the laser pointer to track the degrees on the two axes. This allows for precise control of the stepper motors, ensuring that the laser pointer points to the desired celestial object.
User-Friendly Control and Open-Source Resources
Star Track’s user-friendly interface allows you to adjust the two axes based on user input from a computer via serial communication. The project’s creator, Gorkem Bozkurt, provides an overview of positional astronomy and all the necessary files, code, and assembly instructions on his project page. With Star Track, you can explore the cosmos like never before, unraveling the mysteries of the night sky.
Bonus: Explore the Wonders of Astrophotography
Bonus: With Star Track, you can venture into the realm of astrophotography. By attaching a camera to the mount, you can capture stunning images of celestial objects. Imagine capturing the vibrant hues of the Orion Nebula or the majestic spiral arms of the Andromeda Galaxy. Star Track opens up a world of possibilities for aspiring astrophotographers.
As you embark on your celestial journey with Star Track, remember the words of Carl Sagan: “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
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