Presentation
Observing Atmospheric Changes Caused by Solar Eclipses
NCUR
(2021)
Abstract
Stratospheric dynamics are observed to understand differences in measurements during annular and total solar eclipses. In preparation for the 2023 and 2024 eclipses, the team is utilizing new instrumentation to collect data on pressure, uncharged and charged cosmic rays, and temperature in the upper regions of the atmosphere, this will expand upon eclipse research done in the past. Hydrogen or Helium-filled High Altitude Balloons (HABs) carrying scientific instrumentation have been used to explore Earth’s atmosphere during eclipses. The balloons ascend into the atmosphere until they burst at about 32 km. This altitude is recognized as the stratospheric region of the atmosphere with near-space conditions. Geiger–Müller (G-M) tubes detect charged particles within the stratosphere; replacing them with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) allows measurements of charged and uncharged particles to be taken with more sensitivity. The SiPMs weigh significantly less than G-M tubes and measure the different types of particles as well as energy distribution. Personal Neutron Dosimeters (PNDs) have been used to measure the uncharged particles within the stratosphere, the use of SiPMs will allow more sensitive measurements. The data collected during the upcoming solar eclipses will be compared to data taken during past eclipses to observe particle differences. New pressure sensors with a lower error rate to our future flights will be added, which will measure density in the atmosphere. Temperature measurements are taken throughout every flight to understand the stratospheric dynamics for that particular time. At least three flights will be conducted in preparation for these eclipses. These measurements provide necessary data used to understand changes in response to temperature during solar eclipses. Eclipse data is important in understanding differences in measurements taken during past eclipses and how data is different during two types of eclipses - annular and total solar.
Keywords
- High Altitude Balloon,
- Eclipse 2024,
- cosmic rays,
- stratosphere
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring April 14, 2021
Location
Virtual
Comments
Student presentation at NCUR 2021
Citation Information
Maddie Ross, Gillian Durand, Anisa Tapper, Callie Korzeniowski, et al.. "Observing Atmospheric Changes Caused by Solar Eclipses" NCUR (2021) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/erick-agrimson/37/