Observational and Computational Study of Scattering and Sky Polarization During Total Solar Eclipses

Using a calibrated fisheye lens attached to a QHY550P polarization-sensitive camera, we aim to capture precise all-sky polarization images during the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We are currently carrying out experiments to determine the distortion in the fisheye lens. Additionally, we are developing software to synchronize three LucidVision PHX-050S polarization-sensitive cameras, facilitating simultaneous image capture of the solar corona during the total solar eclipse. To ensure timing accuracy, our image acquisition laptop's system clock will be disciplined by a local stratum-1 NTP server hosted on a Raspberry Pi4 with a GPS connected to it. Post-capture, real-time image analysis, and exposure optimization algorithms will be employed. This research bridges computer science and astronomy, offering important insights into coronal astrophysics and atmospheric phenomena during total solar eclipses.