The citizen science project, promoted by the Department of Research and Universities in collaboration with the VHIR and the IEEC, will study how the human body responds during the total solar eclipse on 12 August. Citizens can still join the initiative by downloading the app and taking part with a smartwatch.

The SOLARIS mobile app has already surpassed 1,000 downloads, just a few days before Catalonia experiences the total solar eclipse on 12 August. The initiative is part of Catalonia looks to the sky, promoted by the Department of Research and Universities to bring this exceptional phenomenon closer to the public, foster scientific culture and highlight Catalan research.

The figure reflects the public’s interest in taking part in this collaborative science initiative, which will turn the eclipse into a unique opportunity to study how the human body responds to sudden changes in light, temperature and the surrounding environment that occur during totality.

SOLARIS, developed by the Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR) and the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), will analyse the relationship between the emotions triggered by observing a total solar eclipse and the body’s physiological responses.

Núria Montserrat, Minister for Research and Universities, highlighted that “surpassing 1,000 downloads shows that citizens want to actively participate in research and contribute to generating new knowledge.” “SOLARIS allows us to experience the eclipse in an even more special way: not only as spectators, but also as participants in a major collective scientific experiment,” she added.

A knowledge gap in the human response to eclipses

The project is based on a scientific observation: the effects of eclipses have been widely studied in animals, plants and insects. Studies have documented changes in activity patterns, feeding, resting, pollination and responses to sudden decreases in light and temperature.

By contrast, there are still few studies on people’s physiological and emotional responses during a total eclipse. This lack of knowledge contrasts with accounts from experienced eclipse observers, who often describe totality as an intensely emotional experience capable of eliciting awe, surprise, euphoria or a strong sense of collective connection. SOLARIS aims to take this research a step further by studying how these emotions are also reflected in the body’s physical response.

Citizens’ heartbeats in the service of science

Participants will use the app and a smartwatch to record physiological data before, during and after the eclipse. Depending on the device model, these records may include heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, etc.

The data will be collected anonymously and will allow research teams to compare changes before, during and after totality and explore the relationship between the astronomical phenomenon, emotions and physiological responses.

The project is open to everyone. To take part, participants must download the SOLARIS app, register, complete the informed consent form and have a smartwatch.

People interested in taking part can still join the project before 12 August and contribute their heartbeat to advancing science.

All the information about eclipse activities is available on the official website: eclipsicatalunya.cat

More information and access to the app:
https://eclipsicatalunya.cat/noticia/8/ja-pots-participar-en-la-recerca-sobre-els-efectes-de-leclipsi-amb-laplicacio-solaris/