A hyperspectral camera has enabled the first precise measurement of blue auroral nitrogen ion (N₂⁺) emission altitudes during twilight, revealing a peak intensity at about 200 km—higher than previously known. This new method improves altitude estimation and supports models suggesting significant high-altitude N2+ presence.
Anfractuosity built a hyperspectral camera, the Waverider, using a miniature USB spectrometer, a stepper-driven x-y stage, and a Raspberry Pi Pico. It scans spectra one pixel at a time, taking nearly 19 hours for a 400x400 image but capturing more than just RGB values per pixel.
