How to Report Your Dust Observations

How to Report Your Dust Observations

Step 1. Download the GLOBE Observer app

  • Download from the Google Play Store for Android [link]               
  • Download from the Apple App Store for iPhone [link]

 

Step 2. Open the app and select GLOBE Clouds

Then select New Cloud Observation

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 2

 

Step 3. Time and place

Your latitude, longitude, and time of day with be filled in automatically by the app! Just scroll to the bottom of the screen and click Next

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 3

 

Step 4. Select Obscured

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 4

 

Step 5: Check the box for Dust

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 5

 

Step 6: Is the ground parched?

The app will prompt you to record the surface conditions. You are required to answer “Yes” or “No” for each category. For Dry Ground, answer “Yes” if the ground under your feet is dusty, dry, or parched. Answer “No” if the ground under your feet is muddy, moist, squishy, or there’s standing water. 

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 6

 

Step 7: Select Add Pictures Manually

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 7

 

Step 8: Take pictures of the dust storm!

Make your best guess at the direction of the dust storm. In this example, the dust storm is to the north. Click on the grey camera icon under North. Click on Take Photo. Point your camera at the horizon and take a photo of the dust storm. 

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 8

 

Step 9: Submit your observation to GLOBE!

Click Send Observations Now. Check the box next to your observation. Click “Send 1 Observation to GLOBE”. You’re done! Thank you!

GLOBE Observer Screen Image of Step 9

You can check out your dust storm photos on vis.globe.gov after you submit! 

This dust observation is from Marilé Colón Robles, Project Scientist for NASA GLOBE Clouds, on 21 June 2019. She was at a NASA citizen science meeting in Tucson, Arizona and saw a dust storm approaching in the distance!