An estimated 220 million people will watch Monday's eclipse. For a small percentage, the phenomenon will be more than a spectacle. It will be a chance to observe and record -- for science's sake.
Researchers at NASA are counting on the participation of thousands of citizen scientists to document next week's solar eclipse and to gather usable data for additional research.
Scientists want to find out how the brief disappearance of the sun will alter clouds, weather, plants, animals and more. The event -- and the data gathered before, during and after -- is expected to inspire studies by biologists, astrophysicists, sociologists, meteorologists and scientists from many other fields.
Those who download the GLOBE Observer Eclipse app, register, and procure a thermometer will be able to log geolocated air temperature readings during the eclipse. The app will also help participants document cloud type and cover before, during and after the event.
"One of the special features of the GLOBE Observer app is the ability to match cloud observations from the ground with satellite observations, which also provides interesting and valuable comparisons," Kristen Weaver, deputy coordinator for the GLOBE Observer program, told UPI.
Cloud and air temperature data collected using the app will be publicly available for students and researchers to use as they wish, but several NASA scientists will use the observations to better understand Earth's energy budget, the balance between the solar energy absorbed and reflected by Earth.
Some observations are likely to end up on YouTube before they find their way into prestigious science journals.
More than 1,000 DSLR camera users have volunteered to share their eclipse photographs with scientists working on the Eclipse Megamovie project. Organizers are still looking for more citizen photographers to sign up.
Megamovie scientists will stitch together images to form a high-definition movie -- a moving collage showcasing the eclipse as it was seen across the country.