AuroraPhoto
Concept
Automated astrophotography system for capturing aurora and night sky imagery. Raspberry Pi nodes connect via USB to Sony a7R V / a7 IV cameras, controlled by an iPhone companion app over Wi-Fi. The system provides automated focus using Half-Flux Radius (HFR) star sharpness monitoring, exposure sequencing optimized for aurora bursts, and multi-node coordination from a single mobile interface.
Features
- USB camera control for Sony a7R V / a7 IV (ISO, shutter, remote focus adjustment)
- HFR-based star sharpness monitoring for automated focus maintenance
- Capture sequencing triggered by aurora burst detection
- Multi-node architecture — manage multiple Pi/camera pairs from one iPhone
- iOS companion app with live preview, compass overlay, and ML-assisted framing
Quick Facts
| Status | Active |
What This Is
An automated astrophotography system designed to capture high-quality aurora and night sky imagery. The project uses Raspberry Pi “nodes” connected via USB to Sony a7R V/a7 IV cameras, controlled and assisted by an iPhone companion app.
Core Value
Provides precise, automated control over exposure and focus specifically optimized for aurora “bursts” and star sharpness, while offering field-ready composition tools.
Success Criteria
- Precise Focus: Automated “Star Sharpness” (HFR) monitoring and remote focus adjustment via USB.
- Exposure Quality: Capture sequences that preserve aurora beam definition without overblowing or underexposing.
- Reliable Field Connection: Robust communication between iOS and multiple Pi nodes via Wi-Fi/Hotspot.
- Composition Assistance: Functional iPhone overlay with compass and ML-assisted framing.
Requirements
# Validated
(None yet — ship to validate)
# Active
- USB Camera Control: Reliable communication with Sony a7R V/a7 IV (ISO, Shutter, Focus).
- Star Sharpness Logic: Algorithm to detect and maintain pin-sharp star focus remotely.
- Capture Sequencing: Logic to trigger optimized sequences during aurora bursts.
- Multi-Node Support: Architecture for managing multiple PIs from a single interface.
- Mobile Interface: iOS app for live preview, composition overlay, and compass.
- External Integration: Hook into separate alerting system for “burst” triggers.
# Out of Scope
- Holy Grail Ramping: Complex day-to-night ramping (handled by existing separate apps).
- Primary Alerting System: The discovery of aurora activity (handled by a separate existing service).
Key Decisions
| Decision | Rationale | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| USB Connection | Sony a7R V/a7 IV provide robust control and charging over USB-C. | Pending |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Better range and reliability than BT for remote field setups. | Pending |
| HFR Focus Check | Industry standard for measuring star sharpness in astrophotography. | Pending |
Last updated: 2026-02-13 after initialization