This summer, I wanted to see the Perseid meteor shower, so I hiked up a mountain with some friends. When I got to the top, however, the entire sky was covered in clouds (even though the forecast said there was a 50% chance for clouds), and we didn't see anything. Our team thought that it would be really convenient if we had an app to give real-time information about whether an area is suitable for stargazing.
SkyGazer provides an interactive map that identifies the best locations for stargazing based on three key environmental factors:
- Light Pollution: Shows how dark the sky is at different locations.
- Visibility: Displays real-time visibility data to ensure users have a clear view of the sky.
- Cloud Cover: Provides information about current and forecasted cloud cover, helping users plan their stargazing trips.
Users can drop a pin anywhere on the map to get real-time data about the conditions at that location. Based on these factors, SkyGazer calculates a composite score that ranks each spot’s stargazing quality, from "Horrible" to "Pristine."
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Frontend: The frontend is built using React and React Router, with an interactive map powered by Google Maps API. Users can drag a marker to any location, triggering a request to get real-time stargazing data.
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Backend: The backend is powered by Flask, which handles API requests. It fetches data from external APIs like OpenWeatherMap for visibility and cloud cover, as well as custom light pollution data to calculate the best spots for stargazing.
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APIs: We integrated multiple APIs, including:
- Google Maps API for the interactive map and geolocation services.
- OpenWeatherMap API for weather data, including visibility and cloud cover.
- Custom Light Pollution Data for accurate assessments of sky brightness.
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Styling: We used CSS for styling, creating a clean, user-friendly interface for seamless navigation.
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API Integration: Combining data from multiple APIs and aligning them spatially and temporally was tricky. We faced challenges in making sure data was accurate and updated in real-time.
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Calculating Composite Scores: Developing an algorithm to provide a reliable stargazing score based on light pollution, visibility, and cloud cover involved tweaking and testing different weightings to ensure the accuracy of the scores.
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UI/UX Design: Designing a layout that presents complex data in an easy-to-understand and visually appealing manner required multiple iterations.
- Successfully integrating multiple APIs to create an informative and interactive experience.
- Building a real-time map that provides valuable insights to stargazers in a user-friendly manner.
- Developing a composite stargazing score that makes it easy for users to find the best places for stargazing at any given moment.
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API Management: We gained a lot of experience managing and working with external APIs, understanding the intricacies of handling real-time data.
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Map Integration: We deepened our knowledge of integrating Google Maps into web applications and enhancing interactivity for users.
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User Experience: Through feedback and testing, we learned how to present complex data in a simplified way that can be understood by a wide range of users, from amateur stargazers to astronomy enthusiasts.
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Expanded Location Data: Integrate data from more sources, including satellite data and ground-level observations, to improve the accuracy of stargazing locations.
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Mobile App: Develop a mobile app version of SkyGazer, making it easier for users to plan stargazing trips while on the go.
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Social Features: Allow users to save, rate, and share their favorite stargazing spots, building a community of stargazers who can contribute real-time insights and experiences.
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AR Features: Incorporate augmented reality (AR) features that help users identify constellations, planets, and celestial events through their device's camera while stargazing.