CAP/NASA 2025 Aviation Weather Mission

Time:  45  min to 1 hour
Description: Scientists have been studying aviation weather for over 100 years, but they still want to learn more. In this lesson, CAP members will learn about the history of aviation weather and complete a hands-on activity where they use an Appleman Chart to try to predict if an aircraft will create a contrail.

• Presentation 

• Appleman Chart Worksheet
   

Time:  45  min to 1 hour
Description: To collect an unbiased data set, we need to pick our target aircraft before they enter the study area. To do this, we will be using flight following software. In this lesson, CAP members will learn how to use flight following software and have hands-on practice using this resource to collect the data we will need during the mission. Note: If you have pilots in your squadron, this is a great lesson to get them involved!

• Presentation 

• Flight Tracker Worksheet 

Time:  1 hour to  1.5 hours
Description:  Photos are a key piece of scientific data we will provide to NASA during the mission. In this lesson, CAP members will learn how NASA will use their photos to study contrails, walk through how to set up the GLOBE App, and practice working as teams to take pictures using the mission protocol.

• Presentation

• GLOBE App Setup Guide For Parents

Time:  1 hour to  1.5 hours
Description: To help scientists understand our contrail photos, we need to provide them with information about which part of the sky we took a picture of. To do this, we will use a compass and angles. In this lesson, CAP members will learn how to use a compass to orient themselves, build a sextant, and have hands-on practice working as teams to use these tools to support the mission protocol. Note: If you have ground team members in your squadron, this is a great lesson to get them involved!

• Presentation

• Simulated Aircraft

• Mission Orienteer Worksheet 

Time:  30  to 45 minutes
Description: The mission flight tracker, photographer, and orienteer will all collect information that we need to transmit to NASA. The Data Manager is responsible for organizing and recording the data in the format the scientists can use. Note: If you have incident command staff trained members in your squadron, this is a great lesson to get them involved!

• Presentation

• Mission Data Manager Worksheet 

Time:  1 to 2 hours
Description: Your team has learned the skills you need to perform the different contrail data collection roles, now it is time to practice putting all the roles together. In this exercise, you will practice collecting and submitting data while gradually increasing the pace of data collection. Note: You will need to hold your mock mission exercise during daylight hours.

• Mock Mission Datasheets 

  • Flight Tracker

  • Photographer

  • Orienteer

  • Data Manager

Get ready to level up your skills and have some fun! In the two weeks leading up to each observation date, CAP members will have the opportunity to sharpen their mastery of the GLOBE Observer app through a friendly competition. Members who log at least 10 cloud protocol observations during each practice period will be entered into a drawing for a chance to earn some special NASA and mission swag!

CAP 2025 GLOBE Observer Challenge

Read the study that inspired the 2025 Aviation Weather Mission. Bonus points if you find all of the places where the Civil Air Patrol is mentioned!

GLOBE Eclipse 2024 Scientific Paper