Raspberry Pi microcomputers used to study Antarctic penguins

Adelie penguin (Credit: Liam Quinn, via Wikimedia Commons)

Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are using Raspberry Pi microcomputers, cameras and satellite telemetry to study populations of endangered penguins in the Antarctic, according to Tree Hugger.

Researchers are looking specifically at Emperor and Adelie penguins, whose numbers are being impacted by a loss of sea ice. Studies in the past required travel to the remote area, but the new systems allow photos to transmit back to the lab in real time.

The stations rely on an infrared sensor that triggers the Raspberry Pi microcomputer, waking up a camera to take day and night time photos of penguins. Images are then sent through the Iridium satellite network to researchers in the U.S.

Image: Adelie penguin (Credit: Liam Quinn, via Wikimedia Commons)