Local youth involved in the Civil Air Patrol are working to aid NASA and other agencies for next month’s total solar eclipse.
Civil Air Patrol Cadets, who range in age from 12 to 18, and their leaders will partner with NASA to collect data regarding the effects of the April 8 solar eclipse on weather and VHF radio operations. Over 250 Civil Air Patrol squadrons spanning several different zones will team together to collect this valuable data, according to a news release from the Civil Air Patrol.
Local cadets are “actively training” to aid NASA, the Indiana State Police, and the Columbus Municipal Airport during the April 8 solar eclipse. With soaring numbers of projected tourists visiting for the solar eclipse, the agency been asked to aid ISP with monitoring traffic conditions from the sky with their fleet of planes. Cadets from the area will participate in monitoring communications with the pilots of these aircraft, the news release said.
Those would like to assist the Civil Air Patrol in data collection can register themselves, their classroom, community organization, or homeschool group as a CAP Solar Eclipse Classroom. There are four missions to choose from: Astronomy, Biology, Weather, and Citizen Science, according to the news release.
The deadline for registration is March 31. More information can be found at gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/aerospace-education/curriculum/2024-solar-eclipse.
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, the Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. Information about joining the patrol as a cadet or leader can be found by visiting gocivilairpatrol.com.
