AQA Corona Capture version 2024 is a specially developed application for taking images of the corona during a total solar eclipse. It is primarily designed to observe emission lines of heavy metal ions (Fe, Ar, Ni), where it is necessary to synchronise the imaging cameras in pairs according to a predetermined exposure scheme. For further data processing, calibration images must be taken. The application is designed in a way that facilitates the user's work during the creation of the images. Each image is then accompanied with a text file containing important information about the settings of all camera parameters during the acquisition.

Detailed description

Each camera is controlled by its own AQA_CamerasPRO application, while the synchronization of imaging and taking calibration images is provided by AQA_ControlPRO. The software is able to control an arbitrary even number of cameras, where each pair is synchronized. If the number of cameras is odd, the last one remains unsynchronized.

The biggest problem in taking pictures is the optimal focus of the lens. Manual focusing is inherently subjective and is affected by external lighting conditions, the quality of the imaging display, and, most significantly, the astronomical seeing. Due to the variable geometric distortion of the image caused by astronomical seeing, it is very challenging for the user to find the optimal focus of the lens. The 2024 version allows for semi-automatic focusing by creating a sequence of images focused on different positions of the focus ring of the lens and the application calculates the optimal position based on the analysis of these images.

Minimum hardware specification

CPU dual core 2GHz, RAM 4 GB, HD 256 GB, USB 3.0 2x, OS Windows 7

Users manual

A detailed user manual in PDF format can be found here

Ordering contact

Pavel Starha, PhD
Brno University of Technology
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Technická 2896/2
616 69 Brno
Id. No. 00216305
VAT No. CZ00216305
E-mail: starha@fme.vutbr.cz