JACKSON, Mo. — Today’s solar eclipse isn’t just a stunning spectacle in the sky, it’s also a unique chance for scientists to engage in unique research. It allows for experiments and studies that are only possible when the sun vanishes during the day.
Meteorologists from Saint Louis University are among the many scientists excited to take advantage of the eclipse. They’ve been preparing for this moment since the last solar eclipse in 2017, spending Friday reviewing their plans and testing their equipment. This year, their tools include weather balloons and drones, which they’ll launch into the eclipse’s shadow to track changes in the weather.
FOX 2 meteorologist Chris Higgins is joining a team at Trail of Tears State Park in Jackson, Missouri. His task will be to capture the shadow lines that often appear just before totality. These moments are important for understanding the eclipse’s impact on our atmosphere.
