Poster Presentation

Development of Sensor Payload to Record Atmospheric Changes During the 2023 and 2024 Eclipses

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Abstract

Solar balloons are a novel inexpensive method of high altitude observations, relying on solar heating for buoyant lift. As part of the NASA Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP) and in preparation for the eclipses in 2023 and 2024, researchers at Oklahoma State University (OSU) used this opportunity to evaluate the impact of insolation on balloon dynamics. Two teams of OSU students were tasked with development and testing of a sensor payload that would record measurements of temperature, pressure, humidity, and solar radiation. On the same payload, three cameras were also attached to generate a panoramic view of the eclipse. A secondary payload recorded infrasound, which are low-frequency pressure waves ( < 20 Hz) below the threshold of human hearing in order to evaluate the impact of cooling on infrasonic propagation. Both payloads were attached to a high-altitude solar balloon that would float within the lower stratosphere ( ~ 20 km). With these measurements, the teams aimed to record and analyze the effects of the eclipse within the atmosphere, specifically by looking for gravity waves. Gravity waves play a large role in the convection of air within the troposphere, influencing the weather conditions. Since the balloons rely on the Sun’s radiation to float, the team also wanted to see how the rapid change in solar radiation affected the balloon’s altitude. This presentation will cover the research and testing leading up to the 2024 total eclipse, the day of the event, and the results of the solar balloon flights.

Keywords: eclipse, solar balloons, gravity waves, infrasound, high altitude balloons

How to Cite:

Spillman, K., Hough, E., Yap, Z., Jacob, J. & Elbing, B., (2024) “Development of Sensor Payload to Record Atmospheric Changes During the 2023 and 2024 Eclipses”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2024(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ahac.17976