Indiana
Become a citizen scientist during Indiana’s solar eclipse
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Hoosiers can become citizen scientists for the April 8 solar eclipse and help Indiana geologists collect data.
The Indiana Geological and Water Survey is offering the opportunity for people to contribute on-the-ground data to an eclipse-related research project.
The geologists need participants from across Indiana. Here’s how to participate.
How to help science during the eclipse
Anyone with a smartphone can participate in the IGWS citizen science program. To take part, download a free lux meter application. This will take measurements of the brightness of the light.
Take measurements outside and submit the data to IGWS through its online portal, which can be found at igws.indiana.edu/eclipse.
Submit the light measurement, time, date and location.
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When to submit eclipse data
IGWS asks Hoosiers to collect data between March 21 and April 10. The survey asks participants to send data through the online portal as many times as they can between those dates during daylight hours.
What is the data used for?
IGWS will issue a post-eclipse report using the citizen science data it has collected. The geologists will then observe how the eclipse affected the water balance in Indiana.
This will help IGWS’s Indiana Water Balance Network with its work on long-term trends with the hydrologic cycle. The group studies temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and other factors to evaluate data and help agricultural, industrial and municipal planners.
The survey will also conduct experiments studying groundwater tides during the eclipse. This will help geologists understand how the eclipse may affect underground drinking water reservoirs.
Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk
IndyStar’s environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.