Observer
Scientists observe and take notes! Eclipse Soundscapes (ES) Observers went outside on eclipse day to record information about their location and what they heard, saw, or felt during the 2023 & 2024 solar eclipses. We collected observations from on, near, and off the eclipse path.
April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Observation Submission has closed. Thank you for all of your submissions! We received 3,373!
We will be scheduling updates webinars and sharing updates on this process via social media and the updates email list. We hope you stay involved! Sign-up to receive Eclipse Soundscapes updates here.
To Be an ES Observer You Must:
- Observe & Take Field Notes during the eclipse
- TIME: Observer at least 10 minutes before, during, and at least 10 minutes after eclipse maximum during the solar eclipse.
- LOCATION: record your observation latitude & longitude (DD format),
- After the eclipse submit your Observations & location info via the online form
Observer Training Webinar
March 18, 2024 Recording
Watch this video to learn:
- What changes in nature might you expect to observe during a solar eclipse
- Eclipse Soundscapes (ES) Science Question Overview
- When & for how long to observe as an ES Observer
- Eclipse observation safety
- What to observe as an ES Observer
- Where to observe as an ES Observer
- Using Field Notes as an ES Observer
- How to submit your ES observations
- Eclipse Soundscapes Observers in the Classroom
- Eclipse Soundscapes Observers at Events
Recommended Online Training
Click on each lesson below
What Kind of Observations is ES looking for?
Nature looks, sounds, and feels different during dusk, night, dawn, and day. Different animals and insects appear and start making noises at dusk as it starts to get dark. Others are out at night. As the Sun starts to rise at dawn, a “dawn chorus” begins and then the daytime animals and insects appear. Solar eclipses can seem like a very sped-up version of dusk-night-dawn-day. And, this is happening in the middle of what should be daytime!
We want to find out:
- How will animals and insects react during a solar eclipse?
- Do daytime animals and insects get quieter? behave differently?
- Do nighttime animals and insects appear and get louder?
Are you curious about what animals and insects in your area look and sound like? Check out what animals and insects iNaturalist observers have found in your area so you know what to look and listen for on eclipse day!
Observing Tip - Take Notes
Scientists take lots of notes! They take notes on where, when, and what they observe. Don’t complete the online Observer form during the eclipse, but DO take notes!
Download and print your own ES Field Notes paper to use on Eclipse day!
How to Record Location:
How to Record Location:Latitude & Longitude MUST be shared in Decimal Degrees (DD) format. To learn how to use Google Maps or your mobile device to find Latitude and Longitude in DD click here.
Observe on Eclipse Day!
Observe for a least 10 minutes before eclipse maximum, during eclipse maximum, and for at least 10 minutes after eclipse maximum.
(You should set aside at least 20-30 minutes for eclipse observation. And longer is of course appreciated!)
Take notes while you observe!
Where: Latitude & Longitude (DD format)
When: Observation Start & Stop Time
Observe: Did you hear or see any changes in animal behavior during eclipse maximum?
Click here to download your own Field Notes paper (PDF)
to use to take notes on eclipse day!
April 8th Observation Submission has closed.
Observer Role Classroom Activities
The Observer role is a great Eclipse Day activity for students or students and their families to do together. Anyone who submits their observations online will also receive a downloadable certificate! You can prepare your students to be Eclipse Soundscapes Observers with the lessons provided in Educator Resources.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse Safety Sheet
Provided by NASA, NOAA, AAS, And NSF