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Nationwide eclipse ballooning project: Engineering data from the 2023 annular and 2024 total solar eclipses

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Apr 11, 2025 version files 2.03 GB

Abstract

The Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP) is a student-centered STEM education and research initiative that leveraged the October 14, 2023 annular eclipse and April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse for authentic learning opportunities. The NEBP consisted of 53 student-led teams, including 34 teams that focused on engineering research. These engineering student teams tested atmospheric sensing payloads, balloon float capabilities, and launch procedures during the annular solar eclipse, targeting altitudes of 60,000 ft - 80,000 ft. In addition, teams collected 360-degree video from the stratosphere and tested streaming video from a balloon payload to a ground station, capturing real-time eclipse footage looking out at the Earth. All flight phases were led by students, including payload assembly, balloon fill, launch, real-time video and data capture, and data retrieval after the flights.