During a total solar eclipse, American scientist William Wheeler didn't just gaze skyward; he also observed the happenings around him.Back on August 31, 1932, Wheeler and his fellow researchers spread across the northeastern regions of the US and Canada engaged in one of the earliest participatory studies related to eclipses, documenting the effects of this celestial event on wildlife. Volunteers meticulously recorded almost 500 observations of animal and insect behaviors that day. Nearly a century later, NASA aims to honor those valuable contributions and significantly expand upon them.
On April 8, NASA is seeking volunteers from the public to participate in its ongoing Eclipse Soundscapes Project during the upcoming total solar eclipse. Through the collection of visual, audio, and written data, the agency aims to enhance researchers' understanding of how this phenomenon impacts various ecosystems across the country.
As the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, ambient light dims, temperatures drop, and even some stars become visible. These sudden environmental changes can confuse animals, prompting them to act as if it were either dusk or dawn. NASA has a keen interest in studying the behavior of crickets and discerning the contrasting responses of both nocturnal and diurnal animals.
Kelsey Perrett, the Communications Coordinator for the Eclipse Soundscapes Project, stressed the importance of acquiring more audio data and observations to address these queries. She noted, "The inputs from participating scientists will enable us to delve into specific ecosystems and analyze how the eclipse might have affected each of them."
There are various ways for any of the approximately 30 million individuals within the eclipse’s path to get involved on April 8. Those situated on or near the path of totality can serve as designated “Data Collectors” by acquiring an affordable audio recorder called an AudioMoth along with a micro-SD card to record ambient sounds. Alternatively, “Observers” can jot down their observations and submit them via the project’s website. Additionally, individuals can enroll in quick, free online courses as “Apprentices” or “Data Analysts” to assist in analyzing the incoming data. Moreover, there are accommodations for individuals with sensory accessibility challenges, and NASA has ensured the inclusion of resources to facilitate the participation of large volunteer groups through local educational institutions, libraries, parks, and community centers.