Join NASA's Citizen Science Project During the Total Solar Eclipse
This April 8, as North America turns its eyes skyward to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of a total solar eclipse, NASA invites you to participate in an extraordinary citizen science project: Eclipse Soundscapes. This massive initiative aims to explore how animals react to the sudden darkness brought on by the eclipse, a phenomenon that has intrigued observers and scientists for centuries.
How Animals React to Eclipses
Animals, much like humans, are anticipated to exhibit unique behaviors in response to the eclipse's rapid shift from daylight to a dusk-like state. This abrupt change can disrupt their circadian rhythms, potentially leading to an array of reactions—from owl hoots and cricket chirps to coyote calls, depending on your location.
Eclipse Soundscapes Project
Eclipse Soundscapes, inspired by historical observations and the desire to formally study these animal responses, focuses primarily on crickets. Given their widespread presence along the eclipse's path from Texas to Maine, crickets offer a perfect opportunity for nationwide observation. This project not only seeks to understand these specific animal reactions but also aims to gather insights that could predict how animals might respond to other weather-related phenomena.
How You Can Participate
Whether you're an eclipse enthusiast eager to contribute observations or someone interested in analyzing the collected data, there are multiple ways to get involved. By recording and submitting audio or multisensory observations, you can aid in creating one of the largest soundscapes ever recorded. The project particularly encourages participation in quieter, more natural settings to ensure that animal sounds are not overshadowed by human activity.
Where to Observe
For those looking to immerse themselves in wildlife observations during the eclipse, consider these recommended locations along the path of totality:
- Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas: Experience four minutes of totality amid a diverse ecosystem, listening for barred owls, long-eared owls, crickets, and coyotes.
- Cache River State Natural Area, Illinois: Join a solar-eclipse kayak trip through this swampy haven known for its noisy frogs and potentially active foxes and opossums.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio: Explore this park's forests for a symphony of frogs, toads, and owls, with the Beaver Marsh offering a unique vantage point.
- Letchworth State Park, New York: Observe birds' reactions to the eclipse in this "Grand Canyon of the East," alongside potential appearances from beavers and river otters.
- Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin: Witness the behavior of the largest urban bat population in North America as they respond to the eclipse's darkness.
Join the Quest for Knowledge
By participating in Eclipse Soundscapes, you're not just contributing to a significant scientific study; you're also part of a communal experience that bridges the gap between the cosmos and Earth's inhabitants. This project embodies the spirit of discovery, inviting you to engage with the natural world in a moment of celestial awe.
Get Involved and Discover
Embrace this opportunity to contribute to our understanding of how the animal kingdom interacts with celestial events. Your observations can help shed light on the fascinating interplay between the cosmos and Earth's diverse ecosystems.
