Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year

The 8 April 2024, total solar eclipse presented a unique opportunity to study ionospheric and magnetospheric responses to local changes in the solar illumination. As part of NASA’s citizen science initiative, we launched the EZIE-Mag Eclipse Measurement Campaign and deployed ultra low-cost, science-...

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Main Authors: Rafael L. A. Mesquita, Robin Barnes, Jesper Gjerloev, Adebayo Eisape, Nelli Mosavi, Robert Eidson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspas.2025.1601396/full
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author Rafael L. A. Mesquita
Robin Barnes
Jesper Gjerloev
Adebayo Eisape
Nelli Mosavi
Robert Eidson
author_facet Rafael L. A. Mesquita
Robin Barnes
Jesper Gjerloev
Adebayo Eisape
Nelli Mosavi
Robert Eidson
author_sort Rafael L. A. Mesquita
collection DOAJ
description The 8 April 2024, total solar eclipse presented a unique opportunity to study ionospheric and magnetospheric responses to local changes in the solar illumination. As part of NASA’s citizen science initiative, we launched the EZIE-Mag Eclipse Measurement Campaign and deployed ultra low-cost, science-grade magnetometer kits operated by trained citizen scientists across diverse geographic locations. This grassroots decentralized approach enabled the collection of high-quality, distributed geomagnetic data. Observations from Muncie, Indiana, revealed a clear signal that is interpreted as being produced by eclipse-induced current system perturbations. This is an excellent example of complex electrodynamic coupling between the Sun and the magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere environment. The results not only contribute to advancing Heliophysics research but also demonstrate the value of citizen science in enhancing space weather awareness and public education. The campaign’s inclusive approach in engaging participants from various backgrounds, underscores the potential for scalable, community-driven efforts to broaden participation and deepen public understanding of space weather phenomena.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 2296-987X
language English
publishDate 2025-08-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
spelling doaj-art-a33d8f23976b4e87bf6bcb02b44fde3a2025-08-20T03:37:33ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences2296-987X2025-08-011210.3389/fspas.2025.16013961601396Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big YearRafael L. A. MesquitaRobin BarnesJesper GjerloevAdebayo EisapeNelli MosaviRobert EidsonThe 8 April 2024, total solar eclipse presented a unique opportunity to study ionospheric and magnetospheric responses to local changes in the solar illumination. As part of NASA’s citizen science initiative, we launched the EZIE-Mag Eclipse Measurement Campaign and deployed ultra low-cost, science-grade magnetometer kits operated by trained citizen scientists across diverse geographic locations. This grassroots decentralized approach enabled the collection of high-quality, distributed geomagnetic data. Observations from Muncie, Indiana, revealed a clear signal that is interpreted as being produced by eclipse-induced current system perturbations. This is an excellent example of complex electrodynamic coupling between the Sun and the magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere environment. The results not only contribute to advancing Heliophysics research but also demonstrate the value of citizen science in enhancing space weather awareness and public education. The campaign’s inclusive approach in engaging participants from various backgrounds, underscores the potential for scalable, community-driven efforts to broaden participation and deepen public understanding of space weather phenomena.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspas.2025.1601396/fullspace weathercitizen scienceEZIE-Magmagnetometryionospheric currentseclipse
spellingShingle Rafael L. A. Mesquita
Robin Barnes
Jesper Gjerloev
Adebayo Eisape
Nelli Mosavi
Robert Eidson
Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year
Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
space weather
citizen science
EZIE-Mag
magnetometry
ionospheric currents
eclipse
title Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year
title_full Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year
title_fullStr Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year
title_full_unstemmed Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year
title_short Eclipse-induced geomagnetic signatures: the 2024 EZIE-Mag citizen science campaign contribution to the Heliophysics Big Year
title_sort eclipse induced geomagnetic signatures the 2024 ezie mag citizen science campaign contribution to the heliophysics big year
topic space weather
citizen science
EZIE-Mag
magnetometry
ionospheric currents
eclipse
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspas.2025.1601396/full
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