Creating a plant-based solar flare predictor using outdoor plant boxes is an innovative and eco-friendly approach to monitoring space weather. Solar flares emit radiation that can subtly affect plant behavior, making certain species potential bio-indicators. Here’s how to build your own system:

1. Select Sensitive Plants: Choose species like sunflowers, peas, or beans, which are known to respond to environmental changes, including UV and electromagnetic fluctuations.

2. Set Up Outdoor Plant Boxes: Use weather-resistant plant boxes with proper drainage. Place them in a sunny, open area to maximize exposure to solar activity.

3. Install Sensors: Add low-cost soil moisture and light sensors to track unusual plant responses. Pair them with a data logger to record anomalies that may correlate with solar flares.

4. Monitor and Analyze: Observe plant growth patterns, leaf movements, or color changes. Sudden wilting or unusual growth spurts could indicate solar flare impacts.

5. Cross-Reference Data: Compare your plant data with solar activity reports from space agencies to validate correlations.

This DIY project blends gardening with citizen science, offering a sustainable way to explore space weather. While not as precise as satellites, it’s a fascinating way to connect nature and astronomy.