Partner with the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative for the 2027 Eclipse

Equip Local Teams to Observe the Eclipse of the Century

Help volunteer teams across North Africa, Europe, and the Arabian Peninsula get the equipment and develop skills needed to capture scientific data during the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse.

Local Observers, Lasting Scientific Impact

Led by Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative has brought scientists and volunteers together across five continents to observe seven total solar eclipses to date, from Antarctica to North America. That experience now guides our mission for the 2 August 2027 eclipse: equip and train local volunteer teams to capture scientific of the inner solar corona. Their observations can help measure how coronal material flows between one and three solar radii, where satellite data leave a critical gap, and test models linking activity on the Sun’s surface to the outer corona. Each telescope kit also becomes a lasting resource for a local team. By supporting training and equipment today, partners help build a global network ready for future eclipse campaigns, solar-flare observations, and other collaborative science.

DEB Science Deep Dive

Learn about DEB Science in the recent Astrophysics Jounal Letters publication, Structure and Dynamics of the Inner Corona Measured from the DEB Initiative 2024 Eclipse Image Sequence. Matthew J Penn et al 2026 ApJL 1006 L25

Radial component of the coronal plasma velocity is shown above as calculated from coronal imagery data gathered by DEB volunteer observers during the 8 April 2024 TSE across North America.  Learn about the science being done by DEB in the latest publication in Astrophysics Journal Letters, “Structure and Dynamics of the Inner Corona Measured from the DEB Initiative 2024 Eclipse Image Sequence.”  Matthew J Penn et al 2026 ApJL 1006 L25

DEB summed HDR image showing coronal structure and background stars. Data taken by DEB volunteer Kevin Rasso from Midlothian, Texas during the 8 April 2024 TSE.  

2026 TSE DEB Observations in Spain

Two DEB teams observed the 2026 TSE from Leon, Spain and Valoria La Buena, Spain on 12 August 2026.   Learn about one team’s exciting adventure in this article from Anthony Wood in Space.com. 

DEB HDR image from Leon, Spain rotated and overlaid with LASCO C2 image taken at the same time. Date collected on 12 August 2026 by volunteer Zack Stockbridge working with Richard Danley and Chris Mandrell.

Engaging youth in authentic research experience

Support STEM Mentor - Student Learning

The Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative is seeking partners, sponsors, and donors to help establish volunteer observation teams along the 2027 eclipse path.

Each team needs a set of observation equipment that consists of a telescope, camera, laptop, and tracking mount to collect images of the inner solar corona—a region where ground-based observations can help fill a gap in satellite data.

After the eclipse, teams can use their equipment and experience for further observation campaigns, including solar flare studies.

Ways to Support Volunteer Teams

Inactive DEB Observers

If you have DEB observing equipment you no longer use, consider donating it to a new team. Email debintitiative@gmail.com to discuss what you have and how to pass it along.

Manufacturer / Vendor

Manufacturers and vendors can help equip 2027 eclipse teams by donating components used in the DEB setup. Review the equipment list, then contact us at debintitiative@gmail.com to discuss a contribution.

Current DEB Equipment

Tracking Mount: iOptron Skyhunter EQ/AZ or similar tracking mount
Telescope: Askar FMA 180 Pro
Camera: Neptune-M Player 1
Solar Filter: 60mm Rainbow Symphony Black Polymer
Adapters: ZWO M42 to M48 Extender (16.5mm), ZWO T2-M48-16.5.
Extension Tube Kit: SVBONY, SKU: F9190A
Laptop: Dell Inspiron I5 3520, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11.

Monetary Gifts

Donors who wish to directly support the DEB Initiative can make monetary though the SIU Foundation.  The priority for donations is to pay shipping costs and costs to purchase observation setups for local teams in the 2027 eclipse path.

To donate, go to siuf.org/give.  Under Designation, type in Space Science Activities and select the Space Science Activities Fund.  It will be under the School of Physics and Applied Physics.

If you would like your gift to go to something specific, please contact debinitiative@gmail.com or Susan Graham at the SIU Foundation:  susang@foundation.siu.edu

 

Organizations / Foundations

Organizations that would like to support the DEB Initiative should contact us directly at debintitiative@gmail.com.

The Countdown to Ready Teams

1 March, 2027

Our goal is to equip 20 local teams in the path of totality by 1 March 2027, leaving the months before eclipse day for hands-on training and coordinated observing practices.   The 20 local teams will combine with traveling teams to create a network of 28+ observation sites in total for the eclipse.

2 August 2027

There is no second chance for total solar eclipse observations.  Teams must be prepared to take data and perform critical operations in a specific amount of time during the eclipse.  For teams who are part of a university or school, having the spring and summer months to practice prior to the eclipse is critical.

Progress Towards Goal - Equip 20 Local Observation Teams

  • Telescopes 45% 45%
  • Cameras 20% 20%
  • Mounts 5% 5%
  • Laptops 15% 15%
  • Adapters 5% 5%
  • Solar Filters 5% 5%
  • Complete Setups 5% 5%