Verifying timestamps of occultation observation systems

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-cost, high-resolution image timestamp verification system for astronomical and atmospheric observations, ensuring accurate timing for various imaging applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, inexpensive system capable of verifying image timestamps with millisecond accuracy, applicable across multiple observational fields.

Findings

Achieves temporal resolution down to 2 milliseconds.

Provides detailed exposure and dead time information.

Supports verification of various astronomical and atmospheric imaging data.

Abstract

We describe an image timestamp verification system to determine the exposure timing characteristics and continuity of images made by an imaging camera and recorder, with reference to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The original use was to verify the timestamps of stellar occultation recording systems, but the system is applicable to lunar flashes, planetary transits, sprite recording, or any area where reliable timestamps are required. The system offers good temporal resolution (down to 2 msec, referred to UTC) and provides exposure duration and interframe dead time information. The system uses inexpensive, off-the- shelf components, requires minimal assembly and requires no high-voltage components or connections. We also describe an application to load FITS (and other format) image files, which can decode the verification image timestamp. Source code, wiring diagrams and built applications are provided to aid the construction and use of the device.