Observer
Scientists observe and take notes! Eclipse Soundscapes (ES) Observers went outside on eclipse day to record what they heard, saw, or felt during the 2023 & 2024 solar eclipses. Observers shared their notes from locations on, near, and off the eclipse path, helping scientists understand how people and animals responded to the sudden change in light and temperature.
The role is now complete. Thank you for all of your submissions! We received 3,373 observation submissions!
Although submissions are closed, the Observer instructions remain available below so you can see the full process and learn how participants contributed to this research. To stay informed about future updates and open data releases, sign up to receive Eclipse Soundscapes updates here.
How Observers Participated
ES Observer Requirements:
- 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
Observers attended a training webinar or watched 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
Observation Focus
Solar Eclipses create a brief “mini-dusk” in the middle of the day.
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!
Observers helped answer:
- How do 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?
Participants were encouraged to explore local species on iNaturalist to prepare for what they might encounter.
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!
Field Notes
Observers used printable Field Notes papers (PDF and Google Doc) to record:
- Location (latitude & longitude)
- Observation start and stop times
- Sensory details (what they heard, saw, and felt)
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!
Following the instructions below, most participants observed for 20–30 minutes total (10 minutes before eclipse maximum, during maximum, and 10 minutes after). Many also extended their observations longer to capture more changes in nature.
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
Teachers and students across the country joined as Observers. Anyone who submitted their notes received a downloadable certificate of participation. Educators used the ES Observer role alongside free lesson plans from our Educator Resources
2024 Total Solar Eclipse Safety Sheet
Provided by NASA, NOAA, AAS, And NSF