ZapCapture: a Computer Vision Lightning Analysis Tool. ZapCapture is an open-source, free lightning analysis tool for stormchasers and photographers tailored to the amateur. The software uses computer vision to count lightning strikes and extract images and short videos, and is written in Python3. Windows and Linux recieve native support. Hackaday featured the software in 2022.
Telescopes: Designing and building unique telescopes allows me to test new methods, like 3D printable parts, or experiment with niche/expensive telescope designs. My latest build as of 2023 is a 16" f/4.5 dobsonian, for a total cost of only ~$1,500. These telescopes allow me to provide a better outreach experience without worrying about the cost.
Muon Detectors Scintillator and Geiger-Muller based muon detectors for use in amateur particle telescopes. With these, I hope to create the world's first amateur particle telescope network. I gave a talk on the subject for the Rockford Amateur Astronomers in 2021, and have gathered data with my latest detector based on the MIT Cosmic Watch detector design. Future developments planned are incorporating IoT into the detector so that many units can be operated on a large scale. The network will hunt for global cosmic ray anomalies, similar to the CRAYFIS and CREDO detector networks.
Variable Star Observations Recording the magnitudes of variable stars visually and with CMOS cameras, with data recorded to the AAVSO under observer code PLLA. Observations can be viewed on AAVSO's website.
Community
Outreach: Star parties, maker faires, and talks make up the majority of my outreach events. Check here for news on upcoming events!
Coming Soon: January 2023 at 6 PM. Astronomy and Brews at the Oil Horse in Longview, TX!
Outreach on Demand: If you are interested in having a professional astronomer to talk and demo for a school event, class, scout troop, or anything else, please contact me. I really like astronomy, and would be happy to share it with you.
Contact
Email: lplybon1@gmail.com
Address: 1003 Terra Pl, Longview TX 75604
