If you plan to watch the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, scientists need your help. A new citizen science initiative aims to study how a total solar eclipse affects human health and physiology, and you can participate using just your smartwatch.
The project is a collaboration between the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), and the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR). They have launched the Solaris app to collect data from approximately 5,000 participants. Results are expected by the end of September.
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Why Study the Human Body During a Solar Eclipse?
While there is substantial data on how solar eclipses affect other animals, information on human physiological responses is scarce. This study aims to fill that gap by monitoring heart rate and respiratory rate before, during, and after the eclipse.
The researchers are particularly interested in whether experiencing a total solar eclipse triggers measurable changes in cardiovascular and respiratory function. Such findings could have implications for understanding how astronomical events influence human biology.
How to Participate in the Solaris Citizen Science Project
To take part, you must meet a few requirements. First, download the Solaris app and have a smartwatch or similar activity tracker that measures at least heart rate. You will need to record data for five consecutive days: the two days before the eclipse, the day of the eclipse, and the two days after.
It is crucial that your recordings include time references and that you avoid intense exercise during the measurement periods. This ensures the data is reliable and can be properly analyzed.
- Download the Solaris app and ensure your wearable device tracks heart rate.
- Record data for five consecutive days around the eclipse (August 10–14, 2026).
- Include time stamps in your recordings for accurate analysis.
- Avoid intense exercise during the measurement period to prevent data distortion.
- Contribute to a groundbreaking study on human physiology during eclipses.
What Data Will Be Collected and Why It Matters
The primary focus is on heart rate and respiratory rate. By comparing baseline data from the days before and after the eclipse with data from the eclipse day itself, researchers hope to identify any significant physiological shifts.
This study is part of a growing trend of citizen science projects that leverage personal devices to gather large-scale health data. The involvement of reputable institutions like IEEC and VHIR adds credibility to the effort.
Comparison of Citizen Science Studies Using Wearables
| Study | Focus | Device Required | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solaris (2026) | Eclipse effects on heart and respiratory rate | Smartwatch with heart rate | 5 days |
| Apple Heart Study | Atrial fibrillation detection | Apple Watch | Ongoing |
| Stanford Wearable Study | General health monitoring | Various wearables | Long-term |
The Significance of the August 12, 2026 Eclipse
The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be visible from parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. This provides a unique opportunity for researchers in Catalonia to gather data from a large population experiencing the event.
Total solar eclipses are rare events that can evoke strong emotional and physiological responses. Studying these responses in a controlled, large-scale manner could yield insights into human stress reactions and circadian rhythms. The background to this story is set out in Citizen Science Projects to Study the 2026 Solar Eclipse. A related thread runs through Watch the 2026 Solar Eclipse Online: ESA and NASA Livestreams. Earlier coverage in Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Why It Moved Spectators to Tears shows how the argument developed.
What to Watch Next
As the eclipse date approaches, the research team will likely release more details about data privacy and analysis methods. Participants should stay tuned for updates via the Solaris app. A closer look at the same subject appears in August 12, 2026: Solar Eclipse, Perseids and Planetary Alignment. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Spanish Village Prepares for. The same theme surfaces in Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Best Viewing Spots in Spain, which takes a different angle.
The results, expected by late September 2026, could open new avenues for research into how celestial events impact human health. This citizen science project exemplifies how public participation can advance scientific knowledge. Context on how this played out before sits in Europe Solar Eclipse 2026: Rare Spectacle Draws Millions. A companion piece, Download Offline Maps for the 2026 Solar Eclipse on Mobile, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
What is the Solaris app and how does it work?
The Solaris app is a citizen science tool developed for the eclipse study. It collects heart rate and respiratory rate data from your smartwatch during the five-day period around the eclipse.
Do I need a special device to participate?
You need a smartwatch or fitness tracker that measures at least heart rate. Most modern wearables meet this requirement.
When will the study results be available?
The researchers expect to publish results by the end of September 2026, shortly after the eclipse.
Why is this study important?
It addresses a gap in knowledge about how solar eclipses affect human physiology, potentially informing future research on human responses to astronomical events.
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