SunSketcher

SunSketcher is a citizen science initiative anyone can use to photograph a total solar eclipse (you must be in the path of totality). Mass participation will generate an incredible database of images that, when analyzed together, could allow scientists to more accurately model the Sun.

"We don't know the shape of the Sun?" you ask. Nope. Well, not exactly. Scientists have a pretty good idea, but it's not nearly as precise as it could be. Our hope is to change that—to measure the Sun's oblateness to an accuracy of a few parts in a million!

This app uses your location to determine the time that totality will start and end there. This allows it to automatically take photos chock-full of data of the eclipse while you don't have to worry about the precise details! After totality, you can choose to upload the photos that were taken, along with a few other details about your location at the time of the eclipse and what settings your phone's camera was using, to our data servers for scientific analysis.


What is citizen science?
Citizen science is a collaborative style of research involving volunteers from the general public. The contributions of these “citizen scientists” help researchers collect and analyze large datasets. Citizenship is NOT a requirement.

How will this project contribute to heliophysics research?
We are aiming to create the first large-scale database of Baily's Bead images, which will allow the Sun’s shape to be precisely determined to within a few parts per million. Just as the precise shape of the Earth’s ocean surface allows us to determine flows inside the Earth, the SunSketcher database will allow us to study flows in the solar interior. In addition, knowing the precise shape of the Sun will allow physicists to test against and possibly disprove different theories of gravity, including General Relativity!

Are there requirements or qualifications needed to participate? Can I participate if I’m not a scientist?
You do not need to be a scientist to participate. Our aim is to involve as large and diverse a group of SunSketchers as possible.

Why should I participate in SunSketcher?
The unique aspect of SunSketcher is that everyone with a phone can make a valuable contribution to a state-of-the-art science project. No special equipment is required, just a smartphone. And, if you register as a SunSketcher on our site, we will add your name to the list of contributors. You might even get mentioned as a Guinness World Record Holder!

Where do I have to be on the eclipse day?
Anywhere inside the path of totality.

Will I be able to watch the eclipse at the same time that I'm using SunSketcher?
YES!! In fact, we encourage you to view the eclipse on your own (with appropriate safety precautions at appropriate times) while SunSketcher is running on your phone. The scientific quality of the images obtained will be best if the phone is left untouched throughout the few minutes between the start and end of totality. The app will be finished with the nitty-gritty science stuff just a minute or two after totality ends, at which point you can pick up and begin using your phone again.

Can aiming a phone's camera at the Sun cause damage to it?
While we humans have sensitive eyes that require a solar filter to be able to safely look at the Sun, rest assured that aiming a camera at the Sun will incur no damages to it over such a short period of time. A phone's camera has nothing organic like the cells in our eyes do, and, as such, cannot be damaged by contact with sunlight unless over very long periods. The SunSketcher team has performed extensive testing related to the effects of sunlight on phone cameras and even ran an early test during the October 14th annular eclipse last year (which, due to being annular as opposed to total, results in more light hitting the camera's sensor) and saw no adverse effects, whether lasting or temporary, with any phone used.