If you would like to be part of the project, please join in. All are welcome. We regularly post information on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FireballsNZ/. We post a little less regularly on X at https://x.com/FireballsNZ. At the moment our only e-mail list is for camera operators, but if you want to join then please do, it’s called NZMeteorCameras at groups.io.
Get your own camera and join us!
Fireballs Aotearoa needs more people with camera stations to provide comprehensive coverage of our skies. There are several camera options. The cameras come with completely automated software so that you can either passively participate, knowing the camera is collecting data, or you can actively take part by learning how to use the data to triangulate meteors and fireballs. In all cases, we will provide advice and help with configuration.
Raspberry Pi Meteor Station (RMS)
These cameras are easy to build. Comprehensive instructions for ordering parts and assembling the system are available here and help with assembly can be found here. The cost of parts is about NZ$500. RMS cameras are also built in NZ by Fireballs Aotearoa volunteers. The cost of these assembled camera systems is currently $550, including postage. You can observe what the camera capture each night here: https://fireballs.nz/map/. Please e-mail FireballsAotearoa@gmail.com if you are interested.
Join a meteorite hunt
If you’re a camera operator then you’ll be invited to join any meteorite hunts that we organise. We’ve averaged two or three a year recently. Under NZ law, meteorites belong to the landowner on whose property they are found. We work with landowners to ensure that meteorites remain available for all New Zealanders by encouraging donation to museums.