Run LightGrapher


Download LightGrapher
This is a Flash file that can be opened locally with any Flash-enabled browser.

VERSION 2011 July 7

This graphing software is designed to produce light curves for transit models, including:
• LEGO orrery
• FOSS Orrery
• a ball on a string, swinging pendulum-style but in orbit around a model star

The model star can be a light bulb or simply a white ball.
The software receives real-time data from an external webcam or internal computer camera.

Directions:
• Set up planet(s) to orbit the star (orrery or ball on a string)
• Aim the camera at the model star (light bulb or ball)
• Select size of target circle (on right of screen) to fit the star, and
• Center target circle on model star
• Enter duration of trial ( ___ seconds)
• While planet(s) orbit, click Capture Data
• Watch and analyze....

Tips:

• It's best not to move the camera during a trial
• You can Autoscale at any time. After a few planet orbits, you can click Pause, then Autoscale, then Resume, to see the dips in bright better during the trial.
• You can manually enter minimum and maximum scale values on the vertical axis.
• For long trials, use the View All or Expanded View button at the bottom to see entire trial time period or smaller time period.

This software is © 2011 by the Regents of the University of California, but because it was contracted by NASA's Kepler mission, it may be used freely without charge.