A total solar eclipse will darken the sky on Aug. 12, drawing attention from both skywatchers and citizen scientists. The event is highlighting an initiative designed to bring more people closer to the experience of totality.

The citizen scientist effort gives members of the public a role in following and observing the eclipse. It connects eclipse viewing with participation in a broader science-focused project, according to the available description.

As the date approaches, the initiative is placing citizen scientists at the center of the eclipse story. Their involvement offers another way to engage with the rare moment when the sky is transformed by totality.