In 2023 and 2024, two logs crossed the United States, and the eclipse ambassadors of NASA's Science Activation Program invited undergraduate and amateur astronomers to join them as "NASA partner Eclipse Ampassadors." Working with NASA, opportunities to provide solar glasses and share solar eclipse knowledge with communities involved with poor central roads:
These eclipse ambassador partnerships allow participants to grow together when learning new tools and techniques to explain eclipse and interact with the public, while eclipse ambassadors are recognized for their commitment to public participation.
In January 2025, the Path Project’s eclipse Ambassador has a week-long Heliophysics Winter Field School (WFS), the ultimate advanced thermal physics experience for nine undergraduate and Eclipse Eclipse Ambassadors. WFS exposed participants to career opportunities and field experience in Heliophysics, Citizen Science and Space Physics. The program includes expert lectures on space physics, aurora, citizen science and instrumentation, as well as hands-on learning opportunities with Poker Plane Rocket Range, Northern Museum, Aurora Chass and more. Students not only learned about Heliophysics, but also actively participated in citizen science data collection using various tools and the Aurorasaurus Citizen Science Project application. Interactive groups on the career path help them to pursue a related career.
"This experience only deepened my passion for thermophysics, science communication and community participation," said one participant Sophia. Another participant Feras reflected: "Feras from all over the country Nine outstanding students participated in a week-long program, attending multiple groups at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Geophysics School of Geophysics (UAF), where they participated in multiple solar and space physics. The group, and spoke to Athabaskan Elders. Their connection to the Aurora, visited the poker plane study series to observe the amazing Northern Lights.
This commitment is impossible without the coordination, planning and leadership of many people. Principal researchers include Vivian White (Eclipse Ambassadors, Pacific Astronomical Society, ASP) and Dr. Elizabeth McDonald (Aurorasaurus, NASA GSFC). Other partners include Lynda McGilvary (UAF’s Institute of Geophysics), Jen Arseneau (UAF), Shanil Virani (ASP), Andréa Hughes (NASA) and Lindsay Glesener (Minnesota University), as well as knowledge holders, students, students and scientists .
Eclipse of the Path Project has greatly supported NASA. The protocol award is 80NSS22M0007, which is part of NASA's scientifically activated portfolio. For more information, visit: www.eclipseambassadors.org.