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Astrid is a Raspberry Pi-based, self-contained GPS-equipped astronomy imaging device with features that make it a complete, all-in-one device for recording and accurately timing occultation events. Using a tablet or laptop to connect to Astrid (via its wifi hotspot) the user can plate-solve, pre-point a telescope, control a computerized mount (if desired), schedule a recording, confirm in advance that the exposure and gain chosen are sufficient to record the target star, automatically record an event, and play back the recording (with a helpful identification of the target star).

Most of the most recent batch of Astrid systems have been spoken for, but there are still six Astrid "refractor" (original packaging) systems available for purchase at the moment.? If you would like to order one, you may do so at the?following link:?

Each system comes with a GPS antenna, 128GB USB drive, mini-display, 0.5X focal reducer?and two 5mm C-mount spacer rings.? They are loaded with the?latest version of the Astrid software package, and are fully upgradeable.? Setup instructions are included.

Happy to answer any questions.

Clear skies,

Ted B.

It takes a picture of some star-rich field (any one,?preferably at the elevation and direction you expect the event), plate solves, and draws a graph of how many?stars it sees in each magnitude.? If the line on the graph is above a certain point at the magnitude expected for your combined star+asteroid, then stars of your expected magnitude were visible in the photo, and you can expect that you'll be able to see your target star in the recording later on? (absent late-arriving clouds, etc.).?

If you expect some thin clouds to arrive at an unattended station, you might want to increase exposure or gain (or both) as insurance.

Ted B.