NASA Launches Earth Science App, Urges Citizens to Become Scientists

If you've ever wanted to be part of NASA, now is your chance. NASA has developed an app that would urge citizens to become scientists whenever and wherever they are -- all with the use of their smartphone.

In over 110 schools for 20 years, NASA's Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program has been aiding students in understanding the local environment in a more global sense. For the space agency to help students and citizens in understanding the environment even more, they released the GLOBE Observer app.

The GLOBE observer app allows users to capture images of the clouds in their environment. These images would then be shared to scientists who study the climate of the Earth. Eventually, the GLOBE app will also be used to observe land cover, which would aid in identifying the types of mosquito larvae.

"With the launch of GLOBE Observer, the GLOBE program is expanding beyond the classroom to invite everyone to become a citizen Earth scientist," stated Holli Riebeek Kohl, NASA lead of GLOBE Observer.

What exactly is the purpose of GLOBE? One is aside from being able to collect solid scientific data, second, it would increase the awareness of the user regarding his or her own environment.

"Once you collect environmental observations with the app, they are sent to the GLOBE data and information system for use by scientists and students studying the Earth. You can also use these observations for your own investigations and interact with a vibrant community of individuals from around the world who care about Earth system science and our global environment," explained Kohl.

NASA's GLOBE team has challenged interested citizens to use the app and make their own amazing discoveries. Download the app for the IOS on the App Store. An Android version is also made available for download on Google Play.