The Eclipse Soundscapes Project (2021–2025), a NASA-funded citizen science initiative, was created to explore how solar eclipses affect life on Earth. While eclipses are often promoted as primarily visual experiences, they also involve noticeable changes in sound, temperature, and light, which makes them inherently multisensory. From the start, the Eclipse Soundscapes team focused on creating an opportunity for the general public to participate in science alongside subject matter experts by emphasizing the multisensory nature of eclipses and designing flexible, approachable ways to get involved.

Rather than asking the public to adjust to a one-size-fits-all project, we focused on identifying potential challenges people might face and adapted the project structure to meet those needs. For example, knowing that not everyone would be located on the eclipse path or have significant time to commit, we created multiple short, clearly defined roles. This flexible structure was intentionally rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, offering multiple ways for participants to access information, engage with the experience, and contribute to scientific discovery. This allowed more people to contribute based on their location, schedule, senses available to them, and interests.

To support broad participation, we employed both top-down and grassroots outreach strategies. From the top down, we partnered with national platforms such as SciStarter and coordinated with other NASA Science Activation (SciAct) eclipse initiatives, including GLOBE Eclipse and NASA at My Library. At the same time, we focused on building local connections through emails, phone calls, and partnerships with libraries, Master Naturalist groups, state and national park rangers, and local chapters of organizations like the National Federation of the Blind. A key part of this grassroots effort involved reaching out to groups who might not initially realize that this opportunity was designed for them too. We made sure they knew they were welcome and that their participation was important. Although this community-centered outreach took time, it played a critical role in making the project feel relevant, meaningful, and within reach for a wide range of people.

By grounding the project in science, designing flexible roles, and combining national coordination with local relationships, Eclipse Soundscapes created a participatory science experience that expanded who could take part in observing and studying this remarkable natural phenomenon.

The Eclipse Soundscapes Project is supported by NASA award No. 80NSSC21M0008