Help NASA Study Clouds: A Family Guide to GLOBE Observer

NASA invites volunteers to help with real research, and GLOBE Observer Clouds is one of the easiest projects for a family to begin. With a phone and a few minutes outside, you can record what the sky looks like where you live and share it with scientists.

Why your cloud observations matter

Satellites study clouds from above. Observers on the ground see the same sky from below. GLOBE Observer Clouds brings those two views together, and the project notes that observations made when a satellite passes overhead are especially helpful.

The data are open, so scientists and students around the world can use them in their research.

Who can take part

GLOBE Observer is open to volunteers in GLOBE countries around the world, and no science background is required. Creating an account requires an email address, so the app is for people age 13 and older. Younger children can take part when an adult sets up the account and supervises each observation.

What you need

• A smartphone (Android or iOS)
• The free GLOBE Observer app (opens in a new tab)
• An account, created by someone age 13 or older
• A few minutes outside

The app includes a tutorial and step-by-step instructions.

How to get started

1. Download the app. Find GLOBE Observer on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
2. Create an account. The app is for users 13 and older. Adults can set up the account and guide younger children through each observation.
3. Choose Clouds. Open the Clouds tool. The optional Clouds Wizard can walk you through each step.
4. Record the basics. The app asks for your location, how much of the sky is covered by clouds, and the conditions on the ground.
5. Add details if you like. You can include cloud types, sky conditions, visibility, and photos of the sky.
6. Submit your observation. Even a basic observation without the optional details is valuable.

Simple ideas to try together

• Turn on satellite flyover reminders in the app, then step outside together when a satellite passes over your area.
• Observe at the same time each day for a week and compare what you see.
• Learn a few cloud types with the GLOBE Clouds Family Guide (opens in a new tab) before you go outside.
• Keep a simple sky journal with the date, time, and a quick sketch.
• Join a GLOBE team so family members can work on observations together.

Do not worry about naming every cloud perfectly. Submit your best answer and learn as you go.

More ways to do NASA science

GLOBE Observer also includes projects on land cover, trees, and mosquito habitats. NASA lists many more volunteer opportunities on its citizen science projects page (opens in a new tab), from searching for planets to studying the Sun.

Ready to look up? Start with GLOBE Observer Clouds (opens in a new tab).