Be A NASA Scientist

The United States has its very own solar eclipse coming and you could help NASA study the event.

In fact, NASA has created an app named "GLOBE" for your phone to enable "citizen scientists."

Calling the eclipse an opportunity for a nationwide science experiment, NASA has invited eclipse viewers around the country to participate by collecting cloud and air temperature data and reporting it via their phones.

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment, or GLOBE, Program is a NASA-supported research and education program that encourages students and citizen scientists to collect and analyze environmental observations. The app is free to download and said to be an easy-to-use app that guides citizen scientists through data collection.

On Aug. 21, while Washington enjoys a 95% solar eclipse, the rest of the country from Oregon to South Carolina will get almost two minutes of "night-like" darkness.

"No matter where you are in North America, whether it’s cloudy, clear or rainy, NASA wants as many people as possible to help with this citizen science project,” said Kristen Weaver, deputy coordinator for the project. “We want to inspire a million eclipse viewers to become eclipse scientists.”

In order to participate, first download the GLOBE Observer app and register to become a citizen scientist. The app will instruct you on how to make the observations. Second, you will need to obtain a thermometer to measure air temperature.

Observations will be recorded on an interactive map.

To join in the fun, download the GLOBE Observer app. Learn more about how NASA researchers will be studying the Earth during the eclipse.