Photo credit: science.nasa.gov
First NASA Neurodiversity Network Intern to Present at the American Geophysical Union Annual Conference
The NASA Science Activation Program has initiated an important project known as the Neurodiversity Network (N3), which aims to enhance STEM education for neurodiverse students. This summer internship program pairs high school learners, particularly those on the autism spectrum, with NASA experts to promote hands-on research experiences. Lillian Hall, an N3 intern, recently showcased her summer project, titled “Eclipse Megamovie: Image Processing,” at the 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference in Washington, D.C. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time an N3 intern has participated as a co-author in a presentation at the AGU conference.
The project, Eclipse Megamovie, seeks to create a detailed time-lapse of the Sun’s corona during the forthcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. By mobilizing the collective efforts of numerous citizen scientists located along the eclipse’s path of totality, the initiative aims to generate an extensive dataset of images. This unprecedented collaboration hopes to reveal intricate changes within the Sun’s atmosphere that manifest uniquely during a total solar eclipse.
To manage the extensive volume of imaging data gathered, Lilly worked closely with her mentor, Dr. Juan Carlos Martinez Oliveros, and a broader team of researchers. Her contributions involved developing a meticulous procedure for image calibration, registration, and co-location. These registration techniques were crucial in aligning various solar features across different time frames, addressing variations caused by Earth’s rotation and the movement of the cameras. Additionally, they applied advanced imaging strategies to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby exposing subtle coronal structures and dynamics. This thorough data processing approach has been pivotal in extracting valuable scientific insights from the Eclipse Megamovie dataset.
Lilly expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating: “Being part of N3 has allowed me to leverage my neurodiverse perspective to contribute meaningfully to NASA’s research. The chance to engage in this project and present at the American Geophysical Union conference has deepened my desire to pursue a career in planetary science, which I am incredibly passionate about.”
Individuals interested in contributing to NASA’s Citizen Science initiatives can learn more and get involved by visiting: NASA citizen science page. Notably, participation in these projects does not require U.S. citizenship.
The N3 initiative is funded through a cooperative agreement under award number 80NSSC21M0004 and is part of NASA’s broader Science Activation Portfolio. This program aims to enhance engagement between NASA’s scientific community and the public, fostering deeper comprehension of Earth and space sciences. For more insights on their efforts, visit: NASA Science Activation.
For further details on the conference schedule, check the AGU website at: AGU Annual Meeting Schedule.
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Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025
Related Terms
Citizen Science
Heliophysics
Planetary Geosciences & Geophysics
Science Activation
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