Citizen Science Month is a celebration of the collective power of ordinary people joining forces to contribute to scientific research. Week 2 of Citizen Science Month focuses on the Sun and the crucial role that citizen scientists can play in studying and understanding our closest star.
Get Involved
If you’re keen on participating in citizen science activities centered around the Sun, there are numerous ways to engage during Week 2 of Citizen Science Month:
- Join a Sunspot Monitoring Project: Sunspots are dark spots that appear on the surface of the Sun and are indicators of solar activity. By monitoring and recording sunspots, citizen scientists can help astronomers track changes in solar activity over time.
- Contribute to Solar Flare Observations: Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy released by the Sun. Citizen scientists can help monitor and report on solar flares using simple tools like solar telescopes or even just their eyes.
- Participate in a Solar Eclipse Observation Event: Solar eclipses provide a unique opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere. Citizen scientists can help astronomers gather data during solar eclipses to learn more about this mysterious region of the Sun.
Benefits of Citizen Science
Engaging in citizen science activities focused on the Sun not only allows individuals to contribute to scientific research, but also offers a chance to learn more about our solar system and the processes that govern the Sun’s behavior. By participating in these activities, citizen scientists can develop a deeper appreciation for the Sun and its importance to life on Earth.