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This image, observed in space by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, captures the moon passing in front of the sun during the solar eclipse on January 30, 2014. Credit: NASA/SDO
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This image, observed in space by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, captures the moon passing in front of the sun during the solar eclipse on January 30, 2014. Credit: NASA/SDO
As the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 approaches, a vibrant community of passionate amateur radio operators known as “Hams” is collaborating with the Amateur Radio Science Citizen Survey (HamSCI) group on an exciting project. We are preparing for this. Our goals are clear and ambitious. The goal is to use the moon’s shadow as a natural laboratory to unravel the intricacies of the ionosphere, the Earth’s atmospheric layer essential for wireless communications.
This rare event provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe the response of the ionosphere to the temporary lack of solar radiation during a solar eclipse. HamSCI, a collective of citizen scientists and professional researchers, plans to use this opportunity to conduct wireless experiments across North America.
Our mission is centered around two main activities: the Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP) and the Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge. In SEQP, radio amateurs from all over the continent aim to establish as many radio contacts (called QSOs) as possible before, during and after the eclipse, creating a vibrant scene filled with radio signals. Masu. This effort will generate a vast network of observations of the behavior of radio waves under the unique conditions of a solar eclipse. SEQP is a competitive yet friendly event that encourages wide participation and adds an element of excitement.
The Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge is named in honor of amateur radio operator Philip Gladstone, who made significant contributions to radio science, and takes a focused approach. Participants will use special equipment to monitor selected radio frequencies to help observe the ionosphere’s response to the eclipse. This important aspect of our project will validate scientific models of the ionosphere and improve our understanding of the interaction of the ionosphere with solar radiation.
Amateur radio enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill levels are invited to participate in these events, united by a shared enthusiasm for scientific exploration and collective curiosity about the upper atmosphere. HamSCI demonstrates the tremendous impact of citizen science in contributing to our scientific knowledge through support of the amateur radio community.
Once the eclipse is over, our analytical work begins. We will examine and interpret the collected data in detail and present our findings. These efforts are expected to significantly advance our understanding of the ionosphere and demonstrate the value of community involvement in scientific discovery.
HamSCI is an organization that aims to surprise people and encourage participation in scientific discovery. The community of citizen scientists associated with HamSCI believes that the seamless marriage of science and amateur radio is a great example of what can be achieved when people are united by curiosity and a passion for exploration.
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