The 2017 solar eclipse presents many opportunities for amateur astronomers and lifelong learners to get in on the fun of doing science. This includes research projects about the sun, the moon, other sun-planet-moon systems, and even eclipses in other stellar systems.
What happens to your pets and other animals during the solar eclipse?
iNaturalist - Life Responds
Many people have noticed changes in animal behavior, birds going to sleep, cats and dogs being confused, as a solar eclipse is in progress. In this opportunity for research, you will make scientifically-valuable observations of many aspects of this behavior. Join the California Academy of Sciences in conducting research into behavioral changes in plants and animals during a total solar eclipse.
https://www.calacademy.org/citizen-science/solar-eclipse-2017
How does the solar eclipse affect the atmosphere on Earth?Participate in a nation-wide science experiment by collecting cloud and temperature data
GLOBE Observer
What happens in the atmosphere and on Earth’s surface when the Sun’s light is blocked, even temporarily? By collecting data during the eclipse, you can help us explore how the eclipse changes atmospheric conditions. You will also be contributing to a database used by students and scientists to study the effects of the eclipse on the atmosphere. Even if you are not on the path of totality, you can provide useful comparison data. General citizen scientists can observe clouds and air temperature with GLOBE Observer, while those interested in pursuing additional online training (especially formal and informal educators) are encouraged to check out other data collection and research ideas from the full GLOBE Program.
Video: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12653
Program: https://www.globe.gov/web/eclipse/overview
Observer: https://observer.globe.gov/science-connections/eclipse2017
Many more citizen science projects
In addition to the examples highlighted above, a complete list is available here: