Real world cloud science you can do at home
Clouds play a vital role in controlling Earth’s temperature. They both reflect and trap sunlight. As the sun shines down from space, clouds help cool the planet by reflecting sunlight back. But like greenhouse gases, clouds can also trap heat. And not all types of clouds have the same effect.
That’s why NASA researchers have turned to citizen science observations to help them understand the science of clouds. Through GLOBE Observer: Clouds, which is just one part of the GLOBE Program, people all around the world provide the data for researchers to learn more about the changing world we live in.
The GLOBE Observer app lets users report what they see in the sky. By participating as a volunteer, you’ll offer up your photos of the sky, as well as information about location and cloud cover, plus the cloud types, sky conditions and visibility. Then, those observations will be used in real scientific research, and also used to help verify NASA satellite data.
Anyone, even kids, is encouraged to participate, however, children under 13 should be supervised when using the app. In September, GLOBE will be an official SciStarter Affiliate, so your participation will be credited in your SciStarter dashboard.
To help users, NASA has also put together a variety of fun and easy ways to learn about clouds, including science experiments, educational materials and even a lesson on how to make a cloud in a jar.