PLATO webcameras
PLATO has four Watec video cameras that feed into an Axis video digitiser. The cameras have been cold tested to below –80°C and do not require any heating, making them ideal for use in Antarctica. The four cameras are mounted on the roof of the instrument module and are used to monitor the external experiments and engine module. Every six hours the supervisor computers push a new set of camera images to the rest of the world via the Iridium satellite network.
PLATO is presently hibernating until the sun rises at the end of August after having run for the last 204 days. A selection of web camera images is shown below
Engine module in the twilight
Engine module illuminated by the moon, showing water vapour exhaust plume
CSTAR telescope with bright aurora in background
CSTAR telescope in mid winter illuminated by the moon
Solar panels
