As part of the NASA and NSF-funded Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP), Hanover High School traveled to Oregon during the October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse.

The NEBP is a nationwide initiative that immerses “teams from a wide range of higher education institutions in… data acquisition and analysis through scientific ballooning during… solar eclipses.” (Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP) | Science Mission Directorate). Of the many topics being conjointly investigated, the Hanover High pod is specifically researching how atmospheric gravity waves can be definitively detected in data. Stationed at Realms High School in Bend, Oregon, from October 12 to October 15, the team meticulously pieced together the components shipped earlier. This included ground station elements and 12 payloads slated for attachment to the airborne balloon. Despite minimal transit damage to the equipment, the team showcased their adept skills in assembling both ground station components and balloon payloads with utmost precision.

While at Realms, the Hanover team shared their work with a diverse group of students, ranging from sixth graders to high school seniors. Their presentation delved into the core purpose of the NEBP, provided a succinct overview of gravitational waves, and highlighted crucial components necessary for data collection and payload tracking. By tailoring the complexity of their explanations to suit the varied age groups, the team recognized heightened participation and engagement. Scientific communication, a cornerstone of the ballooning project, remains a central focus for Hanover High School as they actively seek ways to disseminate information about these once-in-a-lifetime eclipses with the public.