NASA is inviting citizens across the US to participate in a nationwide science experiment by collecting cloud and air temperature data and reporting it via their phones.

The experiments are part of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment, or GLOBE Program. GLOBE is a NASA-supported research and education program that encourages students and citizen scientists to collect and analyze environmental observations. Observers gather their data through a free, easy to use app which guides you through the experiment.

On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will occur across the entire continental United States. Crossing the country from Oregon to South Carolina over the course of an hour and a half, 14 states will experience night-like darkness for approximately two minutes in the middle of the day. The eclipse enters the U.S. at 10:15 a.m. PDT off the coast of Oregon and leaves U.S. shores at approximately 2:50 p.m. EDT in South Carolina.

All of North America will experience at least a partial eclipse, including here in the Tri-Cities.

For more about what we'll see in the Tri-Cities, click here.

No matter where you are in North America, whether its cloudy, clear or rainy, NASA wants as many people as possible to help with this citizen science project, said Kristen Weaver, deputy coordinator for the project. We want to inspire a million eclipse viewers to become eclipse scientists.

In order to participate, first download the GLOBE Observer app and register to become a citizen scientist. The app will instruct you on how to make the observations. Second, you will need to obtain a thermometer to measure air temperature.

To join in the fun, download the GLOBE Observer apphttps://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app. After you log in, the app explains how to make eclipse observations.

Observations will be recorded on an interactive map.

To learn more about how NASA researchers will be studying the Earth during the eclipse visithttps://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/nasa-looks-to-the-solar-eclipse-to-help-understand-the-earth-s-energy-system

News 5 will provide special coverage of the eclipse starting at 2pm on August 21st. Join the StormTrack 5 Weather Team and News 5's reporters as they bring you live reports from the path of totality and across the Tri-Cities. Nature's Blackout: Tracking the 2017 Solar Eclipse begins at 2pmon News 5, WCYB.

Have a question about the eclipse? Send our weather team an email at weather@wcyb.com or contact them on social media.

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NASA Invites You to Become a Citizen Scientist During Solar Eclipse - WCYB