San Antonio residents are gearing up for a spectacular show in the sky on April 8, as the city falls under the path of totality for a total solar eclipse, an event not to be witnessed again in the area until 2044. According to FOX San Antonio, Jamie Favors, a NASA expert, promises a unique viewing experience as the moon will obstruct the sun's light for observers in this prime location.
As the community prepares for this celestial phenomenon, another dimension of the event is capturing NASA's attention through the Eclipse Soundscapes Project—it seems plants and animals exhibit unusual behavior when the normal daylight cycle is disrupted during such eclipses, birds may halt their singing, crickets might begin their nighttime choruses, and bees could retreat to their hives. A statement obtained by NASA asserts that the Eclipse Soundscapes Project is asking for public involvement to help document these changes using audio recordings and other observations, seeking to expand humanity's understanding of eclipse effects on ecosystems.
The initiative is a call back to the work of American scientist William M. Wheeler who, following a 1932 eclipse, compiled nearly 500 observations from people witnessing the event. Now, with advanced technology and a hands-on approach, the Eclipse Soundscapes Project hopes to enhance and extend Wheeler's legacy, offering participants roles from data collector to data analyst, with accessibility considerations allowing for inclusive participation across sighted and visually impaired communities. According to NASA, AudioMoth devices will facilitate the collection of sound data by 'Data Collectors' while 'Observers' can jot down their multisensory experiences for submission.
Kelsey Perrett, Communications Coordinator with the Eclipse Soundscapes Project, outlined the project's goals, saying, "The more audio data and observations we have, the better we can answer these questions," Perrett's comment points to a curiosity about the impact of solar eclipse on both nocturnal and diurnal animals, especially crickets whose behavior during the event is of considerable interest. Prospective contributors to the Eclipse Soundscapes Project can sign up and find further information on how to capture this rare natural event from an auditory perspective, each participant also has an opportunity to earn a downloadable certificate upon completing a role in the project.
