October 14, 2023
Annular Solar Eclipse
The Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project was gearing up for the October 14th 2023 annular solar eclipse. The goal was to gather atmospheric data, engineer custom payloads for these feats, and prepare for the 2024 total solar eclipse. This was accomplished through the National Eclipse Ballooning Project's innovative NASA-like mission for teams of STEM learners from a wide range of higher education institutions.The project was executed by a collection of 53 teams, comprised of the 75 participating institutions. This nationwide effort boasts the collaboration of over 750 participants.
The National Eclipse Ballooning Project is supported by NASA's Science Mission Directorate Science Activation program and by NASA's Space Grant College and Fellowship program. (Award number 80NSSC22M0003)
Atmospheric Science
Some of the teams that were involved had a focus in atmospheric science. These teams would make frequent observations by launching hourly radiosondes on helium-filled weather balloons. Student participants were able to work with atmospheric science experts throughout the project. These research efforts are published in peer-reviewed journals.
This projects aided in the research of gravity waves, the impact of eclipses on the Earth's surface and the planetary boundary layer, weather data, and so much more.
Archived Resources
All the resources from the 2023 - 2024 National Eclipse Ballooning Project are archived!
- Project Objectives
- Team Tracks
- Educational Support
- And more
Maps
See the path of the eclipse in addition to the locations of our teams and their launch sites.
Images
