As the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 approaches, NASA has issued an appeal to eclipse chasers across the U.S. to assist in tracking changes in cloud cover and temperature during the event. The eclipse, which will be visible from a narrow path across North America, presents a unique opportunity for citizen science projects.
During a partial solar eclipse, cumulus clouds over land have been observed to dissipate rapidly, while temperatures can drop by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. To gather data on these phenomena, NASA has launched the 'GLOBE Eclipse Challenge: Clouds and Our Solar-Powered Earth' project.
Participants are encouraged to download the GLOBE Observer app, register with an active email address, and acquire an air temperature thermometer. They are asked to record cloud conditions and temperature changes before, during, and after the eclipse, with specific guidelines for data collection on April 8.
Previous studies have confirmed the 'eclipse cooling' effect, where cumulus clouds disappear as the sun dims during an eclipse. This process is attributed to the cooling of the ground when sunlight is blocked, causing the clouds to dissipate rapidly.
On the day of the eclipse, locations within the path of totality are expected to have a 50% to 70% chance of cloud cover. While everyone in North America will witness the partial phases of the eclipse, only those within the 115-mile-wide track of the moon's shadow will experience totality.
With the aim of gathering valuable scientific data, NASA is calling on eclipse enthusiasts to contribute to the understanding of how solar eclipses impact cloud cover and temperature. By participating in this citizen science initiative, individuals can help advance our knowledge of these natural phenomena.
