Girls Scouts Western Pennsylvania Will Participate in Citizen Science Research Project Studying Solar Eclipse in April and Capturing Live Stream for NASA
February 08, 2024
CONTACT:
Emily Ruffing
Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator
eruffing@gswpa.org
800-248-3355
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania was selected as one of twenty girl-serving groups located along the path of the total solar eclipse to participate in a large-scale citizen science research project leading up to and during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Through Einstein’s Incredible Universe program, Girl Scouts will collect data for the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative and document the moment-by-moment appearance of the sun’s inner corona—observable only during a total solar eclipse. Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania was also chosen as the live stream location for video to be sent to a NASA feed.
According to the National Girls Collaborative Project, Einstein’s Incredible Universe is an exciting new media and engagement program designed to catalyze interest in space science and spark scientific curiosity in lifelong learners, especially young women. The program includes an all-new 3D/2D film for giant screen theaters and planetariums, produced by Cosmic Picture, featuring the great discoveries of Albert Einstein and contemporary female astrophysicists who are putting his groundbreaking theories on space, time, and gravity to the test.
In addition to collecting data on the solar corona, Girl Scouts will participate in a research study about gender equity in STEM while documenting their experiences during this important astronomical event.
Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors in western Pennsylvania were invited to apply to be on this unique team of Eclipse Investigators.
As an Eclipse Investigator, Girl Scouts attend training sessions leading up to the solar eclipse, and they will also:
- learn how to use a telescope and camera to track the sun's movement while capturing images of the sun to submit to the DEB Initiative for study.
- have hands-on experience participating in a citizen science project that will be published in scientific journals. As a member of the Eclipse Investigator team, they will have the opportunity to be listed as an author of the study.
- earn and receive up to four Girl Scout badges and one Journey.
- have the opportunity to present their work to other western Pennsylvania Girl Scouts at our Space Science with NASA event.
- be able to opt in to participate in a study on gender equality in STEM and space science fields.
- meet and work with scientists and astronomers.
“Contributing to this extensive nationwide research project and historical event is beneficial for our Girl Scouts who want to expand their interest in STEM studies and careers,” said Patricia A. Burkart, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. “The impact of this program is likely to serve as inspiration for the next generation of female scientists.”
For more information about Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, please call 800-248-3355 or visit gswpa.org.
