NASA shares key findings from 2024 eclipse studies on the corona and atmosphere.
The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, which swept across North America from Mexico to Newfoundland, Canada, has provided first insights into the Sun’s interaction with Earth’s atmosphere. These observations were made possible by NASA-supported projects and citizen scientists to investigate phenomena such as the sun’s impact on the atmosphere and disruptions to radio signals. Updates were presented at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union on December 10 in Washington, DC
Observing changes in the Corona
According to According to reports, the Citizen CATE 2024 project has deployed 35 observation teams across North America to document the Sun’s corona during totality. More than 47,000 polarized images were collected to investigate structural shifts in the corona. Sarah Kovac, project manager at the Southwest Research Institute, unveiled a preliminary film about these observations, highlighting the mix of scientific methods and community involvement.
NASA’s WB-57 aircraft, equipped with imaging and spectrometry tools, expanded observations of eclipses by flying into the moon’s shadow. Instruments led by Shadia Habbal of the University of Hawaii successfully captured data, although some images were affected by unexpected vibrations. Future experiments are planned using similar platforms.
Atmospheric effects during the solar eclipse
Amateur radio operators reportedly contributed data to the HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science by exchanging signals during the solar eclipse. More than 52 million data points indicated changed radio communications efficiency, with improved performance at lower frequencies and reduced efficiency at higher frequencies. Professor Nathaniel Frissell of the University of Scranton credited the operators’ participation with making this research possible.
The Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project involved more than 800 students launching sensor-equipped balloons to measure atmospheric effects. The study confirmed atmospheric gravitational waves and disturbances created during totality, in line with findings from previous eclipses. Angela Des Jardins of Montana State University pointed out the crucial role of student contributions in these findings.
These early observations continue to deepen the understanding of the Sun’s impact on Earth’s systems. Detailed analyzes are expected in the coming months.
