New Volunteer Data from 143 Observatories Unveils the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
NASA
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
On April 8, 2024, volunteers from NASA’s Eclipse Megamovie citizen science project captured unprecedented images of the Sun’s corona during the total solar eclipse. Using advanced equipment, these dedicated participants contributed to a groundbreaking dataset that includes over 52,000 photographs and spans more than an hour and a half of observations. This effort marks the first time such a comprehensive white-light eclipse dataset, complete with calibration frames, has been created.
The project involved 143 unique, mobile observatories across the United States, each led by volunteers who took precise images under challenging conditions. These contributors ensured that the data could be calibrated and analyzed to study the evolution of solar plumes and jets, which are critical for understanding the Sun’s corona. The dataset is now freely available to researchers and the public, searchable by observatory name and location. It features three levels of processed data—from raw images to fully calibrated frames—in the widely used FITS format.
This initiative was made possible through collaboration between NASA, Sonoma State University, UC Berkeley, and other partners, supported by hundreds of volunteers who traveled across the country to capture this rare event. The resulting database will help scientists investigate the Sun’s coronal dynamics, shedding light on why it is so hot and how it influences space weather. This citizen science project not only advances solar research but also democratizes access to high-quality astronomical data, fostering public engagement and scientific discovery.
For those interested in space science, this dataset offers a unique opportunity to explore the Sun’s outer atmosphere in unprecedented detail. By studying these images, researchers can gain insights into solar activity that impacts Earth, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms. The project also highlights the power of citizen scientists in contributing to large-scale research efforts, making complex astronomical data accessible and useful for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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Originally published on NASA on 2/24/2026