{"id":2213,"date":"2025-07-15T21:42:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T21:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aurorasaurudev.wpengine.com\/?page_id=2213"},"modified":"2025-11-25T22:13:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T22:13:06","slug":"participate-in-aurorasaurus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?page_id=2213","title":{"rendered":"Participate in Aurorasaurus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I take part?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are lots of ways to take part in aurora citizen science and be part of this global community of aurora lovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-2-1024x681.png\" alt=\"Above a field, the sky is filled with glowing phenomena. On the very left, a STEVE. Across most of the photo, a beautiful purple and green aurora. A meteor streaks through the top center. And to the right, Comet NEOWISE flares.  \" class=\"wp-image-2222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-2-1024x681.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-2-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-2-768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-2.png 1058w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Comet NEOWISE is visible in an aurora-filled sky in this photo taken on July 14, 2020, by Aurorasaurus Ambassador Donna Lach, featured on the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/comet-neowise-seen-an-aurora-filled-sky\/\">NASA website<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How do I participate in Aurorasaurus?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Register for a free account to receive email <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?p=312\">notifications<\/a> when the aurora is observed near your location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be a participatory scientist and earn points when you <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mZu1jvx9h4k\">report aurora sightings<\/a>. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mZu1jvx9h4k\">Click here<\/a> for a quick-start video on how to make reports, and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=53cUCrFHHMk\">here<\/a> for a lecture at the UAF Geophysical Institute that talks about the science behind auroras and participatory science.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ALL reports are useful! Both positive reports (that you have seen aurora) and negative reports (that you have <strong>not<\/strong> seen aurora) are important.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website reports can be made in real time, or backdated.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For quality control, and to prevent spam, the system is limited to 100 reports per person per day.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each report should not exceed a 3-hour timeframe.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examine the map to see locations of real sightings and the predicted auroral oval showing where conditions might be right for auroral viewing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn more about the aurora with our blog, and keep an eye on space weather with our <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aurorasaurus.org\/storm-tracker\">Storm Tracker<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How does Aurorasaurus make a difference?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reports help scientists analyze <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?p=312\">how far away the aurora was visible<\/a> and improve aurora models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Negative reports clarify whether factors like light pollution or clouds made the aurora hard to see.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project has made a number of discoveries in collaboration with participatory scientists and the scientific community. For example, Aurorasaurus collaborated with participatory scientists and the scientific community to publish the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/laro.lanl.gov\/esploro\/outputs\/journalArticle\/New-science-in-plain-sight-Citizen\/9916361596503761\">first modern scientific study<\/a> of STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), an aurora-like phenomenon that appears closer to the equator and flows from east to west.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What do I get?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our community values reciprocity and collaboration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered users receive location-based email aurora notifications\u2014one when a model predicts aurora may be visible, and another when other people report seeing auroras nearby<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registered users also receive the monthly Aurorasaurus newsletter.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All users have access to a real-time monitor of space weather activity, answers to science and aurora questions, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also opportunities to get more involved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?page_id=1050\">Aurorasaurus Ambassadors<\/a> are superusers and community leaders who share about the project and aurora science with their communities around the world. Fascinating presentations at monthly meetings are <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL6bJMVfHeH06vdFwr7zLCVnzp1gkqlAku\">shared on YouTube<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students and early career scientists can join our biweekly early career meeting. Contact us at <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"mailto:aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com\">aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com<\/a> for more information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aurorasaurus holds semiannual community engagement events like <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/aurorasaurus.org\/posts\/pfbid02D2uJ9A136kanHd6o6bP4zbNshJCzYGJfoJqNryreEXVHJ1PJx8JpjkPoEh3KugPql\">Report-A-Thons<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL6bJMVfHeH05r5s5UBFs8d99ofpGcnSGc\">Journal Clubs<\/a>. These are announced via newsletter and social media (<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/aurorasaurus.org\/\">Facebook<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TweetAurora\">X\/Twitter<\/a>).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educators and participatory scientists can collaborate with us on special projects! Contact us at <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"mailto:aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com\">aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com<\/a> if you have an idea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"education\">Do you have resources for educators?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As part of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/learn\/science-activation-team\/\">NASA Science Activation<\/a> and to help prepare the next generation of participatory scientists, Aurorasaurus generates activities for formal and informal learning environments. Auroras are phenomena to investigate per NGSS <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextgenscience.org\/pe\/1-ess1-2-earths-place-universe\">1-ESS1-2<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextgenscience.org\/pe\/3-ps2-3-motion-and-stability-forces-and-interactions\">3-PS2-3 PS2.B<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextgenscience.org\/pe\/4-ps3-3-energy\">4-PS3-3<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextgenscience.org\/dci-arrangement\/ms-ps2-motion-and-stability-forces-and-interactions\">MS-PS2 PS2.B<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextgenscience.org\/pe\/hs-ess1-1-earths-place-universe\">HS-ESS1-1 ESS1.A<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextgenscience.org\/pe\/hs-ps2-5-motion-and-stability-forces-and-interactions\">HS-PS2-5 PS2.B<\/a>, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team has subject matter experts and informal educators who want to work on pilot testing and are eager for classroom feedback. If you are an educator interested in co-creating or piloting an activity or lesson plan, please let us know at <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"mailto:aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com\">aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdQZGQQX2-DK6UiCKj-nGnYBaB_X6SrKHNDKLp1kBSMcDLVIxnyYMtOYB7ELMYRBGrBKVsfgTIYkFV3EEea25-oBS9JP-h1ezGYyE55ynQXijRGX6wihLKX_HyPxo_Q7oxquFweqg?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"A screenshot of the field trip shows a desk with data on a computer screen, and asks &quot;Is it a good night to chase aurora?&quot;\"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/p.tourit.etx.asu.edu\/som2ig5i\/t0ayl2o9t0wruee\/index.html\"><strong>Virtual Field Trip<\/strong><\/a><br>Take your class to Alberta, Canada for a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/p.tourit.etx.asu.edu\/som2ig5i\/t0ayl2o9t0wruee\/index.html\">virtual aurora chase<\/a>! Check data to decide whether the Northern Lights are likely to appear, find a prime location, and learn about the science behind these natural wonders.Students will be better able to explain the most basic chemistry and physics concepts behind the Northern Lights. They will gain a taste of the process of doing science, as well as the real-life applications of math and science concepts as they relate to becoming an aurora chasing citizen scientist. Ages 11 and up.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcRXOyRHhf8Oqpb8aFBA-VuALWysng7T85sutZzQR_Y1aZNgXIriJ5VrJWeloYWbG3MxHDabDeNtXTsZLnHC_uPAT_n77OwdqBLIECXtPRh6u0Ta6s9EmnA7vCYM3ey6Y1JD0N9EA?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"Above a silhouetted treeline, STEVE crosses the bottom half of the photo in a white and mauve band, with vertical geren stripes below. Above STEVE, the Milky Way rises in a sky full of stars.\"><br>STEVE, photo by Catalin Tapardel<\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?page_id=1953\"><strong>Aurora 101 Glossary<\/strong><\/a><br>Talk like an aurora chaser! Learn basic vocabulary and concepts to help explain the Northern and Southern Lights with this beginner-level glossary. Packed with educational videos and resources to use in the classroom.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeT5SOqcWhVhnckTBHogrxPrMNMhUs9CTYXvjGUZu-OX86tzamgY_pQYwpalbNQq4ewqE7wPmXsAB2XVPmvYQ_03qCZIYHCP3Pqp-ADwyblQTrBawkR1A9q1n6c9Gj01Uljfv5zDQ?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"Sample cards from the game. Two show things that help see aurora: internet connection and clear skies. The third reads &quot;You saw aurora!&quot; and features a photo from an aurora chaser.\"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?p=1957\"><strong>Card Game: Aurora Chasers!<\/strong><br><\/a>While playing a collaborative game, students identify factors that help or hinder aurora chasers in seeing the Northern or Southern Lights. Free printable files include instructions, cards, and a reflection worksheet. Watch this space for future editions and\/or expansions.Students will be better able to answer the surprisingly complex question, \u201chow can I see the aurora\u201d with reference to scientific, geographic, meteorological, and other factors. Ages 11 and up.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfZGxBITGToiEeQbIH9qBrJZ3QZXvuHFCNrf8pJ0U6615UVZVZeuzlnmCpQiG0FUVKWnNz0cUXLlp9hdW8sFeuvi4PHKu1A98cxM_BJswtqS6wQvpyAv3EJnXW_mliKknCVjGW2NQ?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" alt=\"Screenshot from a zine shows information on the Heliophysics Big Year and a cover page titled &quot;What makes the Northern Lights, aka the aurora?&quot;\"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/heliophysics\/programs\/citizen-science\/heliophysics-big-year-zine-activity\/\"><strong>HelioZines: Share Sun Science, YOUR Way!<\/strong><\/a><br>Empower your students to learn and communicate science through the grassroots medium of handmade booklets called zines. HelioZines is a three-part activity that provides a multimodal, multisensory avenue for learning and engages multiple STEAM principles. In order to better understand both sun science and science communication, students will research and create a handmade publication called a \u201czine\u201d showcasing an area of heliophysics: the study of the Sun and all it influences. These can be added to existing zine collections at local libraries, or you can create your own classroom zine library!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXc9zjCGscRXTRtkj0J-LrwVicVlzF4q65SQnGsUkH53TubljKxcMZ67rJOnhNfz6VTJp34Su_LYr4nKuKImkCjMq6XeABjiqsnfSX7iqu7K4GK8XjiRdfSaXHJtM4UjTVepIDYTLQ?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"A 3D printed model of the Earth's magnetic field\"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?p=1389\"><strong>3D Printed Magnetosphere Model<\/strong><\/a><br>The regions of the Earth\u2019s magnetic field, or magnetosphere, are invisible and can be challenging for students to abstract. You can build a 3D printed classroom tactile to help students visualize the areas of the magnetosphere, which are important to understanding the basic physics of the aurora and how the Sun relates to the Earth. Free files and step-by-step, intermediate-level instructions help you or your local print lab create your own! Ages 11 and up.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeVxo755LmcbQcABjdk47HwE587RL82ccCKD2VAGaHjdXyLZSacQGPPW6490cu1OPDdi58lbZchSj5qPAmPRQ9iLAaHLgEh6Re-g8ahKUFsSSFEdtA-prGpBUk22yRTYRXwrO2L?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"A diagram reads &quot;Aurora colors vary with altitude&quot; and shows that excited oxygen and nitrogen particles turn the aurora red at the top, green and blue in the middle, and pink on the lower edge. \"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/aurorasaurus.org\/learn\"><strong>Aurorasaurus Learn<\/strong><\/a><br>What causes auroras? Where and when do they occur? What causes their colors? What shapes can they be? Why are they important? How can someone photograph them? This guide gives brief answers to aurora science questions at a beginner level.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXe--xuvRWZQB9W6WkKlJAcUv9Omj25SYXtJOI_eMS1IITlogtamnVcoYdT53hQG9s2YXQ6TNuJARz2DR0KAEqHblO500_zUzGPTYae56L7xFHRCf5QMPOKJimLNnV4-Fb_g-mzWhA?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"A photo of overhead aurora like a starburst has both the LAMP rocket mission patch and Aurorasaurus logo.\"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/\"><strong>Aurorasaurus Blog<\/strong><\/a><br>More in-depth, beginner-intermediate explorations of aurora science. The Aurorasaurus blog contains resources for the general public, students, and teachers. These include a Q&amp;A with fourth graders, a list of family-friendly resources, stories from aurora chasers, STEVE at the science fair, space weather snacks, and students building satellites!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfLQ_oCxK_7N2vwRcPzAXrLrQo47rTQEHwN_ZSyFZz2UJpa_ctCm6TEEHtndhHk9AeEZ0lqmhRG1aUzlegG9Jl1KosY6aFmQjncc3QpQQd5DmUbo_gGZ9ZMhrB5w-1YFnL5wncn6A?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" style=\"\" alt=\"A screenshot shows the Earth's magnetosphere reconnecting with the Sun's.\"><\/td><td><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCaeKqjjeLSzMscMo_cYLmyA\"><strong>Aurorasaurus YouTube<\/strong><\/a><br>In-depth, beginner-intermediate adult explanations, presentations, and resources on aurora science. Students can explore from home, learn about the cultural and scientific aspects of aurora, find out more about citizen and community science, and meet quirky subauroral phenomenon STEVE. Undergraduate students can take a deep dive into real scientific papers, with each paragraph explained by a NASA scientist.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aurorasaurus is part of the nationwide <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/learn\/science-activation-team\/\">NASA Science Activation<\/a> community, and often collaborates with other Science Activation teams like <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/learn\/heat\/\">NASA HEAT<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stennis\/stem-engagement-at-stennis\/nasa-accp\/\">ASTRO CAMP<\/a>, and others. For example, you can also find our educational resources on the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/infiniscope.org\/page\/aurorasaurus\">Infiniscope<\/a> website. Be sure to also check out some wonderful hands-on resources from our colleagues at the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/uaf.edu\/museum\/education\/educators\/heliophysics-aurora-outre\/activities\/aurora\/hands-on\/index.php\">Museum of the North<\/a> and the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/culturalconnections.gi.alaska.edu\/\">University of Alaska Fairbanks<\/a>. You can find hands-on activities from Aurorasaurus in our <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?cat=29\">blog<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"science\">How can I access Aurorasaurus science?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXctcvamjcHVO1KAwcmNDGnBi5gUwbgFSLxRiYEi7wTXrNwQ3EOWTkTrsigG_5uz4lCcIL4ZjR9gAXR34zpujdGteaOFMUj6Qf8hGjU1GWG3t55scZcmbHbB9dUCWgaWsucCEg-s?key=bo-eoZnbNw5YNn8IuVTQjQ\" alt=\"Two smiling women hold up a poster about STEVE\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Aurorasaurus team with an American Geophysical Union poster by Aurorasaurus Ambassador and co-researcher Michael Hunnekuhl<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cleaned Aurorasaurus data is available online for download and study on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/zenodo.org\/record\/1255196#.Yrn4-3bMK5c\">Zenodo<\/a>. Please contact us at <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"mailto:aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com\">aurorasaurus.info@gmail.com<\/a> with data requests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aurorasaurus has published many peer-reviewed studies. We have summarized several of these and other studies in plain language <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?cat=11\">on our blog<\/a>. Open access links and brief summaries to key papers are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>COMING SOON:<\/strong> A new data release and paper centered on the May and October 2024 aurora superstorms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MacDonald, E. A., Case, N. A., Clayton, J. H., Hall, M. K., Heavner, M., Lalone, N., Patel, K. G., and Tapia, A. (2015), Aurorasaurus: A citizen science platform for viewing and reporting the aurora, Space Weather, 13, 548\u2013 559, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/2015SW001214\">doi:10.1002\/2015SW001214<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-neve-link-hover-color-color\">This is the first, comprehensive paper about the Aurorasaurus platform and how it works.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Case, N. A., Kingman, D., and MacDonald, E. A. (2016), A real-time hybrid aurora alert system: Combining citizen science reports with an auroral oval model, Earth and Space Science, 3, 257\u2013265, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/2016EA000167\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/2016EA000167<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This paper describes how Aurorasaurus combines data from the OVATION Prime auroral oval model with real-time observational data provided by a global network of citizen scientists, in order to provide more accurate and localized alerts for auroral visibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MacDonald, E. A., Donovan, E., Nishimura, Y., Case, N. A., Gillies, D. M., Gallardo- Lacourt, B., Archer, W. E., Spanswick, E. L., Bourassa, N., Connors, M., Heavner, M., Jackel, B., Kosar, B., Knudsen, D. J., Ratzlaff, C., Schofield, I. (2018), New science in plain sight: Citizen scientists lead to the discovery of optical structure in the upper atmosphere.Science Advances, 4, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.aaq0030\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1126\/sciadv.aaq0030<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the first modern paper published on the famed subauroral phenomenon, STEVE. The paper was written as a collaboration between the aurora chasing and scientific communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kosar, B. C., MacDonald, E. A., Case, N. A., &amp; Heavner, M. (2018). Aurorasaurus database of real-time, crowd-sourced aurora data for space weather research. Earth and Space Science, 5, 970\u2013 980. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2018EA000454\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2018EA000454<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This technical report documents the details of Aurorasaurus citizen science data for 2015\u20132016, as well as the way the project filters data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kosar, B.C., MacDonald, E.A., Case, N.A., Zhang, Y., Mitchell, E.J., Viereck, R. (2018), A case study comparing citizen science aurora data with global auroral boundaries derived from satellite imagery and empirical models Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 177, 274\u2013282, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1364682617303413\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1364682617303413<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This study compares data gathered by Aurorasaurus participants with satellite data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hunnekuhl, M., &amp; MacDonald, E. (2020). Early ground-based work by auroral pioneer Carl St\u00f8rmer on the high-altitude detached subauroral arcs now known as \u201cSTEVE\u201d. Space Weather, 18, e2019SW002384. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2019SW002384\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2019SW002384<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This paper provides historical context for the study of STEVE, noting that it had been observed and published by Western scientists in the historical record.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Semeter, J., Hunnekuhl, M., MacDonald, E., Hirsch, M., Zeller, N., Chernenkoff, A., &amp; Wang, J. (2020). The mysterious green streaks below STEVE. AGU Advances, 1, e2020AV000183. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2020AV000183\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2020AV000183<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This study uses time lapse images recorded by citizen scientists to examine relatively small structures in the green areas of STEVE, especially narrow streaks commonly observed underneath the picket fence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Di Mare, F., &amp; MacDonald, E. (submitted 2025). Unveiling the Dynamic Nature of STEVE: Turbulence and Intermittency at Swarm Altitudes. Geophysical Research Letters. <em>Under revision.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This study investigates the chaotic turbulence within STEVE, using data from the Swarm satellites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find more papers by and about Aurorasaurus on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/scholar?hl=en&amp;as_sdt=0%2C21&amp;q=aurorasaurus&amp;btnG=\">Google Scholar<\/a>. Aurorasaurus also contributed to white papers for the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/our-work\/decadal-survey-for-solar-and-space-physics-heliophysics-2024-2033\">Heliophysics Decadal Survey<\/a>, and our educational efforts, and STEVE were noted in the final publication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?page_id=1730\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?page_id=1730\"><em><strong>Back to menu<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can I take part? There are lots of ways to take part in aurora citizen science and be part of this global community of aurora lovers. How do I participate in Aurorasaurus? How does Aurorasaurus make a difference? What do I get? Our community values reciprocity and collaboration.&nbsp; There are also opportunities to get&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/?page_id=2213\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Participate in Aurorasaurus<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":100,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2213","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2213"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.aurorasaurus.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}