News - Leitzel Center at the University of New Hampshire
New Study Highlights GLOBE Observer's Role in 2025 Aviation Weather Mission
A new paper published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society highlights the results of the 2025 Aviation Weather Mission, a collaboration between NASA and the Civil Air Patrol that engaged more than 3,800 volunteers in collecting nearly 10,000 observations across the United States.
Using the GLOBE Observer app, participants monitored cloud conditions, tracked more than 1,300 commercial aircraft, and collected information about contrails. These ground-based observations were matched with satellite data to help scientists better understand how contrails form and how long they last.
The study also examined the mission's educational impact. More than 80% of cadets surveyed reported that their training helped prepare them to collect scientific data and understand how their observations would support NASA research. The findings highlight the potential of well-structured citizen science activities to engage young people in scientific investigations.
The paper, “The 2025 Aviation Weather Mission: Cadet Engagement and Evaluation Results,” was coauthored by several members of the GLOBE community. The full author team includes Marilé Colón Robles, Ashlee M. Autore, Matthew Nyman, Heather Fischer, Shannon Babb, Roman Vitanza, Jessica E. Taylor, Kristen Weaver, Holli Kohl, Tina Rogerson, and Theresa Schwerin.
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office