The total solar eclipse on 12 August has been a unique opportunity for science. One of the projects highlighted in connection with this phenomenon has been the SOLARIS project (Monitoring Observations of Cardiac and Respiratory Activity during a Solar eclipse), promoted by the Department of Research and Universities with the participation of the Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR) and the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC). More than 3,000 people signed up to participate in this initiative.

Using an app and smartwatches, the project will study the physiological and emotional responses of the human body before, during and after the eclipse.

The data collected will make it possible to analyse potential variations in heart rate, breathing, physical activity and other biometric indicators, as well as their relationship with the emotions triggered by observing totality. The research teams will now begin processing and analysing the information.

A citizen science project

Citizen participation in this project is essential. The use of wearable devices makes it possible to analyse potential variations in physiological parameters, such as heart rate and breathing, two days before, during and two days after the eclipse. Changes in conditions caused by the astronomical phenomenon will contribute to generating scientific knowledge about the relationship between natural phenomena, emotions and health.

SOLARIS uses OneCareAI technology to facilitate the secure and anonymous collection of the biometric data required for the study. The study opens the door to obtaining an unprecedented dataset and strengthens the role of citizen science as a tool for advancing biomedical and environmental research.