When the Earth goes dark for a few minutes during a
total solar eclipse, animals, plants,
and environmental conditions react.
In the path of the eclipse, temperatures and clouds can change quickly.
But exactly how they change is a question NASA
scientists are trying to answer.
If you’ll be in North America during the August 21 eclipse,
you can help NASA collect data for a citizen science project
that’s looking at how much cooler the Earth gets during the eclipse
by measuring air temperature and clouds.
How can you help?
First, download the free GLOBE Observer app on to your smartphone or tablet.
Second, get a thermometer to measure air temperature.
See our website or app for suggestions about the types you can get.
The app will walk you through how and when
to make your scientific observations.
Your data will go into the GLOBE Program’s database
where it’s accessible to students and scientists from all over the world.
Scientists can use this data to study how
our solar-powered planet is affected by this special celestial event.
You can collect data in many locations.
The path of totality is roughly 70 miles wide and
stretches across the continental United States
from Oregon to South Carolina.
Outside of this path, the rest of the continental U.S.
and other areas will see a partial eclipse
where you can still collect data.
We are looking forward to your observations
download the app, create an account,
and be ready to take part on August 21st.