NASA has announced a new way for citizens around the world to participate in its Earth observation program, GLOBE (Global Learning & Observations to Benefit the Environment). The program allows volunteers of all ages to collect environmental data and now, they will receive satellite comparisons that align with their observations.
Citizen scientists can submit cloud observations using a variety of tools and methods. When they do, NASA sends them an email with a link to compare their data with satellite images. This feedback is not only exciting but also provides valuable insights into the accuracy of their observations.
However, what's new is that GLOBE will now be sending out emails comparing land cover observations made by learners to satellite data as well. The goal is to show how individual observations fit into a broader space-based view, highlighting the importance of citizen science in understanding our changing planet.
According to Tina Rogerson, programmer at NASA Langley Research Center, "Feedback from NASA is huge. It's the hook." The new satellite comparison for land cover builds on the existing system used for cloud comparisons and will be sent out weekly.
The initiative aims to increase awareness about how NASA observes our home planet from space and inform societal needs. By seeing their observations from a space perspective, volunteers are motivated to continue being part of the process of collecting Earth system observations for GLOBE's long-term environmental record.
With this new development, NASA is bringing real science into people's lives, sparking curiosity and promoting deeper understanding of our world and beyond. The Science Activation program, supported by NASA under a cooperative agreement award number NNX16AE28A, connects NASA experts with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds.
Citizen scientists can submit cloud observations using a variety of tools and methods. When they do, NASA sends them an email with a link to compare their data with satellite images. This feedback is not only exciting but also provides valuable insights into the accuracy of their observations.
However, what's new is that GLOBE will now be sending out emails comparing land cover observations made by learners to satellite data as well. The goal is to show how individual observations fit into a broader space-based view, highlighting the importance of citizen science in understanding our changing planet.
According to Tina Rogerson, programmer at NASA Langley Research Center, "Feedback from NASA is huge. It's the hook." The new satellite comparison for land cover builds on the existing system used for cloud comparisons and will be sent out weekly.
The initiative aims to increase awareness about how NASA observes our home planet from space and inform societal needs. By seeing their observations from a space perspective, volunteers are motivated to continue being part of the process of collecting Earth system observations for GLOBE's long-term environmental record.
With this new development, NASA is bringing real science into people's lives, sparking curiosity and promoting deeper understanding of our world and beyond. The Science Activation program, supported by NASA under a cooperative agreement award number NNX16AE28A, connects NASA experts with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds.