GLOBE Eclipse Library Kits

Opportunity for Public Libraries

Applications were due May 31, 2023

June 15 Update: We are in the process of reviewing all applications received by May 31 and expect to notify libraries of their status before the end of June. Thank you for your patience!

Are you looking for ways to engage your community in solar eclipses coming to North America in 2023 or 2024? We are seeking library partners to involve their patrons in a NASA citizen science project that will contribute to understanding of what happens on Earth when the Sun’s light is blocked, even temporarily.

What citizen scientists will do: Use the free GLOBE Observer mobile app to:

Observe how the solar eclipse changes atmospheric conditions (clouds, sky color, and air temperature)
Report surface conditions (photograph and describe the landscape) that may have an impact on differences in the atmospheric effects in varying locations
Contribute these observations to an open access database (https://www.globe.gov) used by scientists and students to study the effects of eclipses on the atmosphere
Provide comparison data even if they are not in the path of totality or maximum eclipse

What library partners will do:

Watch one webinar (Watch the recording of the May 4 live event on the STARNet Libraries YouTube Channel) and attend at least one drop-in/check-in session during August or September. The two drop-in/check-ins are opportunities to ask questions, brainstorm ideas, and share your plans.
Offer at least one library program that incorporates GLOBE Eclipse. These events can be leading up to or on eclipse day for either: October 14, 2023, or April 8, 2024. See examples of library programs that use GLOBE Observer.
Complete evaluation surveys about their events and experiences using GLOBE Eclipse. Plans are to have two surveys, one after each eclipse.
Join our GLOBE Eclipse Libraries Team.

Benefits to library partners:

Receive a GLOBE Observer kit of materials to support their programs. Up to 100 public libraries will be selected; see table that follows with information about the kit.
Attend a professional development webinar to learn how to take observations and examples of library STEAM programs and resources that can be used for the eclipse and beyond. The webinar will be open to all libraries and recorded for on-demand viewing. Drop-ins via Zoom will provide opportunities to ask questions, learn what’s new, and share ideas.
Join the STAR Net Eclipse Community to ask ongoing questions, share ideas, and engage in discussion.
Learn about an ongoing citizen science project that can support library programs year-round related to the GLOBE Observer app tools: Clouds, Land Cover, Tree Height, and Mosquito Habitat Mapper.
Ability to create a GLOBE Team that your patrons can join. The team tool can be used to track engagement or participation in your programs. You will be able to see how many people join the team, and how many use GLOBE Observer to take observations.

Eligibility for Library Kits:

Public libraries in the U.S., D.C., or in a U.S. territory can apply.
It is not a requirement that a library be on the path of totality; comparison data is also useful for this NASA citizen science project.
Note: There will not be a separate application process for the 2024 eclipse – all kits will be distributed in 2023.

Schedule:

2023

May 4- Training webinar for libraries, with recording available for on-demand viewing. Watch the recording here.
May 31- Applications due.
Mid to Late June- Libraries notified first that are accepted, all libraries notified of their status by late June
Late June to July- Kits distributed to participating libraries
August & September- Monthly drop in/check in (date TBA) via zoom to provide updates and answer questions
September- Monthly drop in/check in (date TBA) via zoom to provide updates and answer questions
October 14- Annular Solar eclipse
October 31- Library partners evaluation survey due.

2024

Jan/February- Kick-off library webinar for 2024 eclipse. At this event we’ll share GLOBE Eclipse data collected, results from the 1st evaluation survey, and invite libraries to share examples of programs they did, and reflection on the October 2023 eclipse plans for 2024.
February & March- Monthly drop-in (dates TBA) via Zoom to provide updates and answer questions
April 8, 2024- total solar eclipse
April 30- Participating libraries complete evaluation survey
Late May/Early June- Briefing with library partners on results

GLOBE Observer Eclipse Library Kit Contents

Item	Description	Quantity Per Kit
GLOBE Observer Eclipse Card	Bilingual (English and Spanish) 6” x 6” promotional card. The card includes a center hole that can be used for safe viewing by projecting the eclipse onto a nearby surface. Preview as PDF: English	100
GLOBE Sky Window	Punch out the center rectangle and hold the Sky Window up to the sky to help describe sky conditions and identify clouds. Both English and Spanish Sky Windows are included in the kit. Preview as PDF: English, Spanish	100 English 100 Spanish
Do You Know that Clouds Have Names?	In this science storybook, children learn the names of the different cloud types, discover at what height each cloud type floats in the sky, and the type of weather associated with each cloud. The book includes notes for the educator or parent. Both English and Spanish books are included in the kit. Preview as PDF: English, Spanish	Qty TBD English Qty TBD Spanish
Air temperature thermometer	Digital thermometer (Celsius/Fahrenheit). Thermometer Details	1
Add-on (requires additional training)
Infrared Thermometer	Libraries that commit to completing additional training are eligible to apply for a kit that also contains an infrared thermometer (IRT). Up to 25 libraries will be selected to receive the IRT to take GLOBE surface temperature observations.	1

Materials in the kit will also be available for download online, along with additional information, and activities, that can support library programs.

Learn more about GLOBE Observer Eclipse. Download the free GLOBE Observer mobile app for smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android). The app includes all the information needed to take and submit observations. While the Eclipse tool is not currently shown in the app, eclipse observations include those taken using the Clouds and Land Cover tools.

Three projects funded by NASA’s Science Activation Program are collaborating to offer this opportunity to U.S. public libraries: NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative, which includes GLOBE Observer citizen science; NASA @ My Library; and GLOBE Mission Earth. GLOBE Observer is the app of The GLOBE Program.