Montana Space Grant Consortium

Abstract Atmospheric gravity waves generated by an eclipse were first proposed in 1970. Despite numerous efforts since, there has been no definitive evidence for eclipse generated gravity waves in the lower to middle atmosphere. Measuring wave characteristics produced by a definite forcing event such as an eclipse provides crucial knowledge for developing more accurate physical descriptions of gravity waves. These waves are fundamental to the transport of energy and momentum throughout the atmosphere and their parameterization or simulation in numerical models provides increased accuracy to forecasts. Here, we present the findings from a radiosonde field campaign carried out during the total solar eclipse of July 2, 2019 aimed at detecting eclipse-driven gravity waves in the stratosphere. This eclipse was the source of three stratospheric gravity waves. The first wave (eclipse wave #1) was detected 156 min after totality and the other two waves were detected 53 and 62 min after totality (eclipse waves #2 and #3 respectively) using balloon-borne radiosondes. Our results demonstrate both the importance of field campaign design and the limitations of currently accepted balloon-borne analysis techniques for the detection of stratospheric gravity waves.

Abstract The 21 August 2017 total solar eclipse was the first total eclipse on the mainland of the United States since 1979. The Atmospheric Responses of 2017 Total Solar Eclipse (ARTSE2017) project was created to observe the response of the atmosphere to the shadow of the moon. During the eclipse, 10 sites launched radiosondes in a very rapid, serial weather balloon deployment along the totality path, and high-resolution mesoscale meteorological network (mesonet) data were collected in three states. Here, we focus on the results obtained from the radiosonde field campaign in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and the New York State Mesonet (NYSM). In Fort Laramie, 36 people from 13 institutions flew 19 radiosondes and launched 5 large balloons carrying video payloads before, during, and after the eclipse while continuously recording surface weather data. Preliminary analysis of the radiosonde data provided inconclusive evidence of eclipse-driven gravity waves but showed that the short duration of darkness during totality was enough to alter boundary layer (BL) height, the lowest layer of the atmosphere, substantially. The statewide impact of the partial eclipse in New York State (NYS) was observed for solar radiation, surface temperature, surface wind, and surface-layer lapse rate using NYSM data. Importantly, the radiosonde and mesonet data collected during the eclipse will be available for public access. ARTSE2017 also focused on education, including students from all demographics (undergraduate and K–12) and the general public. Finally, we summarize goals accomplished from leveraging resources for education, research, and workforce development on undergraduate students from a variety of fields.

Abstract. Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper-air observational datasets collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW's eclipse module performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide descriptions of the field campaigns for both 2019 and 2020 and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

Abstract Total solar eclipses (TSEs) are impressive astronomical events that have attracted people’s curiosity since ancient times. Their abrupt alterations to the radiation balance have stimulated studies on “eclipse meteorology,” most of them documenting events in the Northern Hemisphere while only one TSE (23 November 2003) has been described over Antarctica. On 4 December 2021—just a few days before the austral summer solstice—the moon blocked the sun over the austral high latitudes, with the path of totality arching from the Weddell Sea to the Amundsen Sea, thus producing a ∼2-min central TSE. In this work we present high-resolution meteorological observations from Union Glacier Camp (80°S, 83°W), the only location with a working station under totality, and South Pole station. These observations were complemented with meteorological records from 37 surface stations across Antarctica. Notably, the largest cooling (∼5°C) was observed over the East Antarctic dome, where obscurity was ∼85% while many sectors experienced insignificant temperature changes. This heterogenous cooling distribution, at odds with the seemingly homogeneous land surface of Antarctica, is partially captured by a simple radiative model. To further diagnose the effect of the eclipse on the surface meteorology, we ran multiple pairs of simulations (eclipse enabled and disabled) using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The overall pattern and magnitude of the simulated cooling agree well with the observations and reveal that, in addition to the solar radiation deficit and cloud cover, low-level winds and the height of the planetary boundary layer are key determinants of the temperature changes and their spatial variability.

A set of low-cost, compact multispectral imaging systems have been developed for deployment on tethered balloons for education and outreach based on basic principles of optical remote sensing. The imagers use tiny CMOS cameras with low-cost optical filters to obtain images in red and near-infrared bands, and a more recent version include a blue band. The red and near-infrared bands are used primarily for identifying and monitoring vegetation through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), while the blue band is used for studying water turbidity, identifying water and ice, and so forth. The imagers are designed to be carried by tethered balloons at altitudes up to approximately 50 m. Engineering and physics students at Montana State University-Bozeman gained hands-on experience during the early stages of designing and building the imagers, and a wide variety of university and college students are using the imagers for a broad range of applications to learn about multispectral imaging, remote sensing, and applications typically involving some aspect of environmental science.

The aim of this project was to create a Pan/Tilt Ground Station that would provide a robust frame capable of accommodating the future needs of the BOREALIS program. This goal was accomplished through the incorporation of: stepper motors, increased rigidity, increased accuracy, increased torque, built in solar sight, 3600 rotation capability, and an ability to easily swap out components. The implementation of a gear system into the design increased both the torque from the motor and the overall resolution provided to the system. Robust metal fabrication and bearings provided a significant increase in rigidity as compared to the previous design. A permanently mounted solar sight reduced set-up time and eliminated possible human error involved in the set-up process. Stepper motors were chosen due to their high degree of accuracy when using a tic 36v4 motor driver. Through the use of stepper motor’s, motor drivers, and an 8:1 gear ratio, this ground station has a resolution of 0.001°. These drivers were run by an arduino through I2C sending position data to control the motors as well as running a GPS. This arduino was connected to a laptop and controlled by a C# program using sun tables and GPS coordinates to track the balloons position throughout the duration of the flight.

Abstract. Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research & Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module’s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research &amp; Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module&rsquo;s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research &amp; Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module&rsquo;s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research &amp; Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module&rsquo;s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research &amp; Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module&rsquo;s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

The yearly National Student Solar Spectrograph Competition (NSSSC) is Montana Space Grant Consortium's Education and Public Outreach (EP/O) Program for NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission. The NSSSC is designed to give schools with less aerospace activity such as Minority Serving Institutions and Community Colleges an opportunity for hands on real world research experience. The NSSSC provides students from across the country the opportunity to work as part of an undergraduate interdisciplinary team to design, build and test a ground based solar spectrograph. Over the course of nine months, teams come up with their own science goals and then build an instrument to collect data in support of their goals. Teams then travel to Bozeman, MT to demonstrate their instruments and present their results in a competitive science fair environment. This paper and poster will discuss the 2011-2012 competition along with results as well as provide information on the 2012 -2013 competition opportunities.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research &amp; Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module&rsquo;s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Field research campaigns in 2019 and 2020 collected hourly atmospheric profiles via radiosonde surrounding the 2 July 2019 and 14 December 2020 total solar eclipses over South America from locations within the paths of eclipse totality. As part of these atmospheric data collection campaigns, the eclipse module of the Advanced Research Weather Research &amp; Forecast (WRF-ARW) model was utilized to model meteorological conditions before, during, and after the eclipse events. The surface and upper air measurements collected through these campaigns have enabled further assessment and validation of the WRF-ARW eclipse module&rsquo;s performance in simulating atmospheric responses to total solar eclipses. We provide here descriptions of both field campaigns and present results from comparisons of meteorological variables both at the surface and aloft using observational datasets obtained through the campaigns. The paper concludes by recommending further scientific analyses to be explored utilizing the unique datasets presented.

The focus of the NEBP is to broaden participation ofSTEM learners by immersing teams from a wide range of higher educationinstitutions in an innovative NASA-mission-like adventure in data acquisitionand analysis through scientific ballooning during the 10/14/2023 annular and4/8/2024 total solar eclipses. NEBP will engage 85 teams in equitable,inclusive learning on two primary tracks – 1) atmospheric science and 2)engineering. &nbsp;Engaging 85 teams spreadacross the country will be a challenge. The teams will be from a variety ofcollege types, the students will have different background knowledge levels, andthe available mentoring will vary. To meet these challenges, the teams will bedivided into ten geographic pods, five for each track. Each pod has a Pod Leadwho will create a cohesive community with their 8-10 teams. The atmospheric science track will launch small standardizedcommercial off-the-shelf radiosondes of less than 190 grams that are used tomeasure atmospheric parameters through the stratosphere. At sites along thepath of totality, NEBP participants will make frequent observations by launchinghourly radiosondes on weather balloons to 100,000 - 110,000 feet. In addition,they will collect high-temporal resolution surface-site data. This design willprovide surface, lower, and middle atmospheric observations with enough spatialand temporal sampling to contrast the meteorological differences before, during,and after the eclipse. The surface stations will provide independentmeasurements of solar irradiance at the surface.&nbsp; Data analysis will be done after the eclipses.The engineering track balloon platforms are capable oflifting up to 12 pounds of student-built payloads into the stratosphere duringthe eclipse. Typical engineering platform experiments include atmosphericmeasurements, photography, cosmic radiation measurements, and space technologyproofs of concept. The learners will generate real-time video that will bestreamed to the planned NASA eclipse website, make-high resolution precisionGPS measurements to compliment the radiosonde data, and conduct otherapplicable individually designed experiments. The FAA and other stakeholders willuse near real-time balloon location on the NEBP flight tracker website.

<p class="MsoNormal">Montana Space Grant Consortium along with teams from the Universityof Kentucky, Idaho Space Grant Consortium, University of Maine, Minnesota SpaceGrant Consortium, Louisiana Space Grant Consortium, Oklahoma State University,Plymouth State University and the University of Bridgeport along with expertsfrom the University at Albany, SUNY and the Universities Space Research Association/NASAGoddard Space Flight Center have proposed a multi-year ballooning project toNASA’s Science Mission Directorate Science Activation program called the“Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project 2021-2025.”&nbsp; <o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our underlying goal is to broadening participation of STEMlearners by immersing teams in a mission like ballooning opportunity thatengages participants with subject matter experts in scientific designing,building, testing, flying, analyzing and publishing of results.&nbsp; There are two tracks to this ballooning opportunityconsisting of 30 teams in the atmospheric science track and 40 teams in the engineeringtrack.&nbsp; An overview of the possible opportunitiesis presented.<o:p></o:p>

Gravity waves are an important energy transport mechanism in the middle atmosphere. Better gravity wave climatologies are needed for climate model parametrization and subscale modelling. As part of the summer 2022 BOREALIS scientific ballooning internship, gravity wave detection methods were implemented for onboard balloon sensors, specifically GPS ascent data. Data from several latex balloon flights over central Montana is presented along with analysis results using the hodograph method. The fast Fourier transform is used to identify dominant vertical wavelengths. Amplitudes, intrinsic periods, and propagation directions of candidate gravity waves are reported. Applications to gravity wave detection during the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse are discussed.