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Are you dreaming of snow-capped mountains, sparkling ice floes, and the mysteries of our frosty universe? NASA Citizen Projects invites you to step into the shoes of a citizen scientist. You can explore real research projects from the comfort of your own home!
So, bundle up and prepare to:
- Fill crucial data gaps in understanding “cold” on Earth and even in the heart of space! Did you know that the coldest objects in space are still warmer than Jupiter?
- Explore incredible ways to research on mountain snow, hidden Arctic ice, alien worlds, global land cover, and even comets!
- Learn from passionate NASA scientists leading these exciting projects and see how you can participate, regardless of your scientific background. Everyone is welcome!
Table of contents
What are Citizen Science Projects with NASA?
NASA Sci-Starter’s 40+ projects offer engaging opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to real scientific discoveries.
Intrigued? Here’s why you should join the citizen science movement with NASA:
- Make a real impact: Your observations and contributions can make a tangible difference in scientific understanding.
- No prior experience needed: NASA welcomes everyone, regardless of their scientific background. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to learn. Training materials and user-friendly tools are available for each project.
- Global reach: No matter where you live, you can be part of it! These projects are open to everyone, offering a unique chance to collaborate with fellow citizen scientists from diverse communities.
- Be recognized for your work: Over 410 citizen scientists are already co-authors on published research papers! Your contributions will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and recognition in the scientific community.
Ready to explore?
4 Icy Cool Citizen Projects with NASA for Gen Alpha and Gen Z
Here are four icy cool citizen projects with NASA that will ignite your curiosity and inspire your inner space explorer.
1 – Mountain Rain or Snow
Goal: Collect observations of rain, snow, or mixed precipitation during winter storms to improve satellite weather monitoring and understand the transition between them.
Open to everyone: Regardless of location or prior knowledge of meteorology.
Easy to participate:
- Sign up by texting “weather” to a project phone number [+1 (855) 909-0798.]
- Report observations through a mobile app or text message.
- Receive weather alerts in specific regions.
Benefits:
- Contribute to valuable scientific research.
- Help improve weather forecasting models.
- Fun and engaging way to learn about weather and citizen science.
Key Points:
- Over 40,000 data points were collected in 5 seasons.
- Observations from all elevations are valuable.
- The project welcomes volunteers from around the world.
Additional Information:
- Led by Megan Collins, project engineer.
- Partnered with NASA.
- Part of a massive network of citizen science projects.
- Link to the project website: Mountain Rain Or Snow
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2 – Backyard Worlds: Cool Neighbors
Goal: Backyard Worlds: Cool Neighbors citizen science project aims to discover nearby objects in our galaxy. Here are the key points:
Project Overview:
- Launched by Aaron Meisner, NSS Nora staff astronomer and founder.
- Use data from NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) telescope.
- Volunteers classify moving objects in images, potentially discovering new “cool neighbors” of the Sun.
Key Achievements:
- Over 2 million classifications were received in only half a year.
- Hundreds of new neighbors of the Sun were discovered, including:
- Brown dwarfs (objects between stars and planets)
- Previously unknown white dwarfs (remnants of dead stars)
Benefits:
- Provide an opportunity for anyone to contribute to scientific discovery.
- Help astronomers learn more about the local galactic neighborhood.
- Leads to unexpected discoveries beyond initial expectations.
Accessibility:
- Require no prior astronomy knowledge.
- Participation is possible through a web browser on various devices.
- Interface is currently available in English, French, and German.
- Link to the project website: Cool Neighbors
3 – GLOBE Observer Land Cover
Goal: Collect observations of land cover, including snow and ice, through a mobile app to:
- Compare with satellite data for validation.
- Contribute to a free and open database for research.
- Support student research projects.
- Address specific community needs by collecting targeted data.
How to participate:
- Download the Globe Observer app.
- Observe and report land cover, including snow and ice.
- Take note of seasonal changes by documenting the site with and without snow.
- Use the “field notes” section to add details like snow depth.
- Take cloud observations alongside land cover observations for comparison.
Benefits:
- Contribute to valuable scientific research.
- Help improve satellite data accuracy.
- Support student learning and research.
- Address local community needs.
Additional Information:
- Over 250 million observations were submitted to the Globe Observer.
- A new feature allows requesting targeted data collection in your area.
- Link to the project website: Globe Observer Land Cover
Key Points:
- Safety is paramount when collecting observations in snowy conditions.
- Documenting the site with and without snow is valuable.
- “Barren land” in the app refers to permanent snow cover, not seasonal snow.
- Use “field notes” to describe seasonal changes and unclassifiable cover.
- Taking cloud observations alongside land cover observations provides additional context.
4 – The Sungrazer Project
Goal: Sungrazer project, a citizen science initiative that allows anyone to discover comets in images taken by NASA satellites. Here are the key points:
About Sungrazer:
- Launched in 2003 by Karl Battams at the Naval Research Lab.
- Goal: Enable anyone to discover new comets in satellite images of the Sun.
- Participants analyze images, looking for faint objects moving against the background stars.
- Over 4,900 comets discovered by citizen scientists so far, accounting for more than half of all known comets.
Impact:
- Valuable data for studying:
- Comet behavior near the Sun.
- Solar wind interactions with comets.
- Climate change through ice composition analysis.
- Educational and engaging for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
- Contribute to scientific research and discovery.
Additional Information:
- Karl Battams: Project lead, highlighting the project’s success and diversity of participants.
- An announcement regarding Sungrazer is coming soon, potentially within the next few months.
- Link to the project website: The Sungrazer Project
How to Get Involved in NASA’s Citizen Science Projects
Becoming a citizen scientist with NASA is easier than you might think. To get involved in NASA’s citizen science projects, simply visit the NASA Citizen Science website and explore the available projects.
Find one that interests you and follow the instructions on the project page to participate and contribute your data or observations.
Engage with online communities or forums related to the project to connect with other participants and learn more about the project.
Other projects for citizens by NASA
In addition to the icy cool citizen projects we have highlighted, NASA offers plenty of citizen science initiatives across various scientific disciplines. These projects cover earth science, climate research, astronomy, and space exploration.
You can actively contribute to ongoing research efforts, make valuable scientific discoveries, and engage with NASA’s missions by participating in these projects.
So, if you’re eager to explore different facets of science, check out the array of citizen science projects NASA offers.
Check these links:
- NASA Citizen Science Website: https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/
- Learn more about citizen science: https://scistarter.org/
- Find other citizen science opportunities: https://www.zooniverse.org/projects
Frequently Asked Questions
NASA is continually working on a multitude of exciting projects in both space exploration and research here on Earth. Some of the current projects include:
– Artemis program
– James Webb Space Telescope
– Perseverance Mars Rover
– Dragonfly Mission
– Europa Clipper
– Lunar Flashlight
– Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART)
– Astronaut missions
Getting involved in citizen science projects with NASA is easier than you might think. Here are some steps you can take to participate:
– Visit the NASA Citizen Science website (Link in the article)
– Follow the project instructions
– Join online communities or forums
– Share your findings and experiences
The technologies and equipment required for NASA’s citizen science projects vary depending on the specific project. While some projects may require specialized equipment or materials, many require basic technologies that are readily accessible.
Here’s what you might need:
Computers or smartphones: Most projects can be accessed and completed using a computer or smartphone with internet access. This allows you to submit data, analyze images, or participate in online forums.
Cameras or telescopes: Certain projects, such as those involving observing celestial objects, may require cameras, telescopes, or other observing equipment. However, many projects provide data or images that can be analyzed without specialized equipment.
Each project will have specific guidelines and requirements listed on their respective websites or project descriptions. If you are unsure of the technologies or equipment needed, reach out to the project organizers for more information and clarification.
Citizen science is collaborative research where volunteers (citizen scientists) work alongside professional scientists to answer real-world research questions.
– Contribute to real scientific discoveries
– No prior experience is needed and is open to everyone
– Global reach, participate from anywhere
– Be recognized for your work, potentially co-author research papers
Visit NASA’s citizen science website: https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/
Absolutely! Most projects require participants from outside the US. Take advantage and contribute your findings.
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Conclusion
Participating in Citizen Science Projects with NASA is an exciting opportunity. Especially Gen Alpha and Gen Z, to engage with real-world scientific research and contribute to NASA’s mission.
The 5 icy cool projects offer fascinating ways to explore the world. You can study mountain precipitation and discover new icy objects in our solar system.
Getting involved in these projects is easy and accessible, requiring minimal equipment or technical knowledge.
So why not join forces with NASA and be part of the next generation of citizen scientists?
Explore the possibilities, make discoveries, and chill with NASA today!
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