Sounding rockets

NASA to deploy three sounding rockets during the solar eclipse

Produced by: Tarun Mishra

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Credit: NASA

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NASA's Sounding  Rockets Mission

Three Black Brant IX sounding rockets are set to launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia as part of the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP) mission.

Credit: NASA

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Launch Timing

Scheduled to commence on April 8, 2024, at 2:40 p.m. EDT, the launches will coincide with the peak local eclipse, occurring approximately 45 minutes before, during, and after the eclipse.

Credit: NASA

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Study Objective

The APEP mission aims to investigate the impact of a solar eclipse on Earth's upper atmosphere by launching the sounding rockets during the dimming of sunlight over a portion of the planet.

Credit: NASA

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Livestream Coverage

The launches will be livestreamed on the Wallops YouTube channel, providing viewers with real-time access to the mission's progress.

Credit: NASA/Kyle Hoppes

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Public Viewing Opportunity

Weather permitting, spectators in the mid-Atlantic region may be able to witness the launches. The NASA Wallops Visitor Center will be open to the public for viewing the launches and the partial eclipse.

Credit: NASA Wallops/Terry Zaperach

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Visitor Center Activities

The visitor centre will offer solar-related activities, featuring NASA sounding rocket experts and Globe Program expert Brian Campbell, who will demonstrate eclipse data collection using the Observer app.

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Eclipse Safety Measures

Eclipse glasses and pinhole viewers will be provided to guests at the visitor centre, with food trucks offering refreshments during the event.

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Sensory-Friendly Accommodations

A designated sensory-friendly quiet area will be available at the Wallops Visitor Center, catering to guests who may require a quieter environment during the viewing event.

Credit: NASA