Creating a plant-based ionospheric monitor using outdoor plant boxes is an innovative way to track space weather sustainably. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own eco-friendly system.

Materials Needed:

- Outdoor plant boxes (preferably wooden or recycled plastic)

- Soil and live plants (choose species with high electrical conductivity, like moss or succulents)

- Copper electrodes or conductive wire

- Arduino or Raspberry Pi for data collection

- Moisture and pH sensors

- Weatherproof enclosure for electronics

Step 1: Prepare the Plant Box

Fill the outdoor plant box with soil and plant your chosen species. Ensure the plants are healthy, as their biological activity will influence the ionospheric readings.

Step 2: Install Electrodes

Insert copper electrodes into the soil at opposite ends of the box. These will detect subtle electrical changes caused by ionospheric disturbances. Connect the electrodes to your microcontroller (Arduino/Raspberry Pi) using insulated wires.

Step 3: Integrate Sensors

Add moisture and pH sensors to monitor soil conditions, as these factors can affect conductivity. Shield the electronics in a weatherproof case to protect them from the elements.

Step 4: Data Collection & Analysis

Program your microcontroller to log electrical fluctuations and sync the data to a cloud platform or local storage. Compare your readings with known ionospheric activity databases to validate results.

Why It Works:

Plants interact with Earth’s electromagnetic field, and their conductivity changes in response to ionospheric shifts. This low-cost, sustainable method offers a unique alternative to traditional metal-based monitors.

By repurposing outdoor plant boxes, you contribute to green tech while exploring space weather. Experiment with different plant species and sensor placements to optimize accuracy. Happy monitoring!