Observer

Scientists observe and take notes! As Eclipse Soundscapes (ES) Observers, you will go outside on eclipse day to record information about your location and what you hear, see, or feel during the 2023 annular solar eclipse and/or the 2024 total solar eclipse. We need observations from on, near, and off the eclipse path. You will earn an ES Observer certificate for submitting your observations!

• Do the free online Observer Training below (15-30 minutes)
• Observe at least 10 minutes before, during, and at least 10 minutes after eclipse maximum during the solar eclipse.
• Submit your observations and observation location info, including latitude & longitude (DD format), online below after you observe.

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!

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?

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 to use to take notes on eclipse day!

Submit your observations and observation location info!

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! Take quick notes in a notebook or via a notes app during the eclipse so you don’t forget anything. Click here to download your own Field Notes paper in Google Docs or Click here to download your own Field Notes paper in PDF format. You can use the Field Notes paper to take notes on eclipse day!

It also helps to review what questions you will be asked in the online form BEFORE you observe. Click here to preview the Observer Submission Form.