Air Force Academy Cadets get ready to help NASA with research ahead of the eclipse
On Monday many people across the world will see a total solar eclipse the path cuts through several states across the country. A group of cadets are heading to Illinois and Texas to help NASA with research that could be valuable to the future of satellites. The Air Force Academy Cadets are preparing to assist NASA in research ahead of a total solar eclipse, which will pass through several states across the country. The cadets will be stationed in Illinois and Texas to observe the eclipse and report their data to NASA. The research could potentially be valuable for the future of satellites. The Air Force says the US lost 40 Starlink satellites in 2023 due to the interaction between solar winds and Earth's magnetic field. Cadets like Quin Miller and Ty Stromberg will be watching this year's eclipse from the path of totality. The peak time will be at 12:39 in the afternoon.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Jared Dean in Science
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - On Monday many people across the world will see a total solar eclipse the path cuts through several states across the country. A group of cadets are heading to Illinois and Texas to help NASA with research that could be valuable to the future of satellites.
The Air Force says the US lost 40 Starlink satellites in 2023 due to the interaction between solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic field.
“We’re taking data with the eclipse and studying it so that we can share that with NASA, and so that we can help other people learn about this eclipse,” Air Force Cadet Quinn Miller said.
In Colorado Springs we will see partial coverage, about 67%.\
Cadets like Quin Miller and Ty Stromberg will be watching this year’s big event from the path of totality.
“We’ve been planning this probably since the last eclipse in October,” Stromberg said.
They’re packing up their equipment now as part of a group of cadets from the academy’s Physics and Astronomy Club. They’ll travel with gear to analyze the eclipse and report their data to NASA. All to help with research aimed at gaining a better understanding of the science that might lead to some satellites going down.
“It is officer-guided, but completely cadet-run. So we do all the nitty-gritty, like we plan, we execute, and everything,” Stromberg said.
For a solar event that could have important implications.
“Each filter we have a red filter on our solar telescope, and then the DSLR cameras have solar filters on there. And of course, as long as you’re not looking directly at the camera and through our equipment, your eyes will be safe,” Stromberg said.
The peak time here in the springs will be at 12:39 in the afternoon and if you are planning on viewing the eclipse make sure to use the proper eye protection.
Topics: Space, NASA