On December 10, at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting, NASA scientists disclosed early outcomes of numerous research projects conducted during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, which traversed from Mexico, through the United States, to Canada. These initiatives aim to deepen our understanding of how solar phenomena affect Earth, particularly its atmosphere and communications systems.
The Citizen CATE 2024 project was a significant element of these efforts, involving 35 observing teams from Texas to Maine. They captured over 47,000 images of the Sun’s corona using polarized light, despite some challenges with cloud cover. This data is being compiled into a comprehensive movie to be released soon. The project’s uniqueness lies in its combination of professional science and community involvement, according to Sarah Kovac of the Southwest Research Institute.
Meanwhile, two NASA WB-57 aircraft pursued the eclipse across North America, extending their observation time above the clouds. The aircraft carried cameras and spectrometers from various research teams to investigate the corona. Although some images experienced blurring due to unexpected vibrations, the spectrometers provided clear data, promising continued use of this method in future eclipses, as per Shadia Habbal from the University of Hawaii.
In a related experiment, amateur radio operators participated in the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) during the eclipse, collecting over 52 million data points. This study revealed that lower frequencies experienced reduced ionospheric absorption while higher frequencies had diminished communication quality. The findings suggest changes in ionospheric height during the eclipse, contributing valuable insights into solar-terrestrial interactions.
Additionally, the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project saw over 800 students launch balloons equipped with sensors to study atmospheric changes during the eclipse. This research confirmed that solar eclipses can generate atmospheric gravity waves, akin to ripples in water. This was especially notable because many teams were inexperienced prior to the project, demonstrating the educational value and scientific contribution of the initiative.
The early results from NASA’s solar eclipse studies highlight the profound impact of solar events on our planet, from atmospheric changes to communication disruptions. These investigations, involving both seasoned scientists and citizen contributors, enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between the Sun and Earth.
Source: Science.nasa
