Creating a plant-based asteroid tracker using outdoor plant boxes is an innovative way to blend sustainability with astronomy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose the Right Plant Boxes: Opt for sturdy, weather-resistant outdoor plant boxes. Ensure they have enough depth to house small sensors or reflective materials.

2. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces: Line the interior with reflective foil or mirrors to capture and redirect sunlight, mimicking the way asteroids reflect light.

3. Add Motion Sensors: Install low-cost motion sensors to detect changes in light patterns. These can be connected to a simple microcontroller like Arduino for data logging.

4. Plant Light-Sensitive Flora: Include plants like sunflowers or phototropic species that naturally track light. Their movement can help align your tracker with celestial objects.

5. Monitor and Adjust: Use a smartphone app or telescope to cross-verify your tracker’s accuracy. Adjust the angles of the reflective surfaces as needed.

This eco-friendly approach not only reduces electronic waste but also makes astronomy more accessible. Happy tracking!