Solar Eclipse 2024: Scientists Gather Data on Solar Corona, Ionosphere, Animal Behavior and More

On April 8, scientists will gather data during the solar eclipse in the United States. This is a rare opportunity for researchers to study various aspects of this phenomenon. Pam Melroy, associate administrator of NASA, said that total eclipses are incredibly valuable scientifically.

During the eclipse, the solar corona will be visible in a special way when the Moon completely covers the central disk of the Sun. Scientists are excited to study this area, which presents challenges for them to explain due to its location where solar flares and prominences occur. The fact that the Sun is nearing its peak activity every 11 years increases their chances of observing something remarkable.

In addition to studying the solar corona, scientists will also focus on changes in the ionosphere, which is the upper part of Earth’s atmosphere through which communication signals pass. Disruptions in this layer can affect GPS and communications. To measure these changes before, during, and after the eclipse, three small sounding rockets will be launched. The data collected from these experiments will provide a better understanding of how light affects this region and help improve communication systems in future events like space weather forecasts.

Eclipses also have an impact on animal behavior, with animals exhibiting surprising reactions like galloping away or crowing due to changes in light, temperature, and wind during an eclipse. Researchers are particularly interested in studying birds’ behavior during this event to better understand how animals perceive their environment and respond to these changes. The unique power of an eclipse experience has been observed on social media platforms following past events such as those witnessed by millions worldwide during the 2017 Great American Eclipse.

To encourage citizen participation in scientific research related to this event, numerous participatory projects are being organized around it. Citizens are encouraged to observe their surroundings and record data using mobile phone applications while learning about astronomy and space exploration along with other scientific fields.

Overall, scientists view this solar eclipse as a rare opportunity not only for themselves but also for people across America to connect with science and appreciate nature’s beauty on a larger scale than ever before.

In summary, scientists plan to study various aspects during April 8’s solar eclipse in the United States: from monitoring unusual animal behavior or effects on individuals to studying different regions like the solar corona and ionosphere’s disruptions that affect communication systems like GPS and communications. Participatory projects encourage citizens