Hello everyone!

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With the Great North American Solar Eclipse of April 8 fast approaching, we thought you might be interested in featuring the NASA SunSketcher project:

https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/sketch-the-shape-of-the-sun-for-science-during-the-solar-eclipse/

SunSketcher aims to use the power of citizen science to map the shape of the Sun to unprecedented accuracy. A unique feature of the project is that it will use images taken with ordinary cellphones, using a free app that is available for both Apple and Android phones. Anyone who downloads the app and will be viewing the eclipse from the 100-mile-wide path of totality has the opportunity to contribute valuable data to a NASA science project. And it’s completely autonomous, so you don’t have to take valuable time away from enjoying your overall eclipse experience.

If you have any questions about SunSketcher, we’re here to help. You can also visit https://sunsketcher.org/ .

Know a high school student interested in astronomy and/or space sciences?

The International Association for Astronomical Studies (based out of Star Haven Observatory located in Strasburg, Colorado) has a few slots open for its on-site student research team.

Students not located in the Denver area or Eastern Colorado are also encouraged to submit their interest as the group will be expanding its remote student research team this fall.

Students will have the opportunity to conduct and participate in actual astronomy and space science research using astronomical and space sciences research equipment and processes. After the research projects are completed, they also get credit for their work as part of the research.

The IAAS, a 501(c)3 organization has a 40+ year track record of success in the student astronomy and space sciences research fields.

More information including a link to the student research team interest form is located on the group's Facebook page (facebook.com/IAASorg).

#STEMeducation #astronomy #youthempowerment #scienceeducation #spaceexploration

I am hoping to get a new (refurbished or second hand) phone soon. What are the best phones for citizen science?

Hello from Tasmania!

I often find myself in groves of the Tasmanian Redwoods: Pencil Pines: Athrotaxis cuppressoides that I suspect are clonal. This started a conversation with some friends about how one would be able to test for genetic identicality in a citizen science context for various plants. (With all appropriate permits, of course)

Does anybody have any ideas on how to most easily and inexpensively test that two genetic samples are clones? Have we reached the level of technology where there's a smartphone tool that can do this ?

thanks!

📷 It's a new year! That means new BOINC Census results! 📷

Check out what the community said about BOINC in 2023 📷 https://thesciencecommons.org/BOINC/Census/2023/

Welcome to the New Year everyone, this also means we have new BOINC Census results for the survey conducted in late 2023.

Feel free to comment on the results in this post or share your thoughts in the BOINC discord/telegram or wherever you connect with the network.

This week I found out about 2 citizen science projects relating to mammals.

Walrus from Space https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/walrus-from-space

Living with Mammals https://livingwithmammals.ptes.org

Hi everyone! My name is Molly, I'm a sailor, prior liveaboard, and graduate student. I'm doing my thesis at the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington.

I'm interested in the intersection between citizen science and the recreational boating community. While this is geared towards the Puget Sound region, I thought it would be really cool to post here to see if I could get more data and a larger sampling!

Here's the survey link - less than 5 minutes, and you'll really be helping me out! It's totally anonymous (uses google forms and you don't need an account). Thanks in advance!

I have been studying how neurons work on my own for enjoyment for a while now. I have been through many books as best I can, even though I have no specific background in this subject. It's been interesting.

At one point, I decided that learning to use the neuron simulators available on the web might be an excellent way to get a better feeling for the inner workings of neurons, so I installed Python, Neuron, and Genesis on my Windows machine and got them all running.

I worked with Neuron for a while and found myself in a sea of 30-year-old HOC code and menus that were useless at best and criminal at worst. Neuron with Python is much better ( I use PyScripter to build the Python code), but it is still confusing.

I moved on to Genesis, and even though I could get much closer to the operation of the Neuron with this tool, it still needs a smoother user interface to be useful as a learning tool.

So, I built my own simulator. With it running in real-time, I can modify various Neuron parameters (change the length of a dendrite, for example, and quickly see the difference), but now I am stuck trying to correlate my simulator output and the results I get with either Neuron or Genesis.

Does anyone work with either Genesis or Neuron / Python who has an interest in creating a basic Neuron model that is fully instrumented and can used to verify the operation of my learning simulator? Something like a Ball and Stick but with four or five dendrite inputs and an axon string as well

My Windows-only simulator is available at:

NeuronLab Simulator (seti.net)

Regards..... Jim

I'm reaching out for insights and advice on a significant career and life crossroads I'm facing. A recent life-altering accident and inspiring stories from podcast guests have prompted deep reflection on my professional journey and aspirations.

My career has evolved from hands-on environmental and conservation work to a more strategic role in policy and implementation within a government agency. Despite a decade of valuable experience, my heart lies outside the office, exploring and studying nature. This dichotomy between my professional life and personal passion for natural sciences – particularly in biology, ethnobotany, paleontology, geology, and mycology – is something I'm eager to reconcile.

With thousands of hours dedicated to citizen science and field experience, coupled with a Bachelor of Science degree (with substantial biology coursework) and a degree in mass communications, I'm at a juncture where I'm considering further educational pursuits or mentorship opportunities to deepen my expertise and professional opportunities.

I'm exploring various paths, including pursuing an additional major in biology, online master's or Ph.D. programs, or expanding my network through conferences. Interestingly enough, I was recently asked to apply for a wildlife field biologist position because I meet all the minimum requirements, I put my hat in the ring and am on to the next round.

tl;dr

As I stand at this crossroads, eager to blend my professional goals with my unquenchable love for learning and adventure, I seek your advice, suggestions, and resources. How can I best navigate this transition? Any insights from professionals or individuals with similar experiences would be immensely valuable.

Thank you in advance for your time and guidance. Looking forward to reading your comments! Feel free to message me.

Hi. I love nature and animals and I want to know what rodents live in my area, which is very forested. I was thinking that some sort of live trap would be helpful, but I'm concerned on whether this would be unethical and cruel. I'm thinking more of a DIY thing like a bucket with bait. I'm aware that any interaction with rodents is probably stressful for them but I'm wondering if there's a way I could find out what rodents live in my area in the least stressful way possible. When I was at camp in Ontario at a Research Station, the rodent zoologists used live traps.