Morehead State students publish solar eclipse research
Morehead State University physics students recently turned a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event into a published scientific research project through the University’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.
Dr. Jennifer Birriel, professor of physics, and Brayden Schwegman (Class of 2026) from Florence and Ivan Hargesheimer (Class of 2026) from Louisville recently published a scientific paper on the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers.
The research used data collected along the eclipse line of totality in Wickliffe and Oxford, Ohio. Birriel and Schwegman traveled to both locations with specialized equipment to measure sky brightness in white, red, green and blue light as the eclipse progressed. One year later, Hargesheimer joined the project as a URF student and developed code to calibrate the data for comparison with other scientific instruments.
The project allowed both students to participate in hands-on scientific research, present their findings at conferences, and contribute to a published peer-reviewed study.
“A publication in the AAVSO journal is exciting for the students and myself. It shows the scientific importance of small-scale research projects,” Birriel said. “I am proud of the work that Brayden and Ivan have done on this project. They have both presented our work at multiple national, state, and local conferences, and a peer-reviewed publication is the culmination of nearly two years of work.”
Schwegman said the experience played a major role in preparing for graduate school.
“Being given the opportunity to engage in research for the total solar eclipse was one the most beneficial academic experiences of my college career,” Schwegman said. “It has been invaluable to be able to pursue something that both interests me and contributes to scientific research. In addition, it has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to be considered for a graduate student position at the University of Louisville.”
Schwegman has accepted a full-ride graduate assistantship in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Louisville. Hargesheimer said the fellowship provided valuable technical and professional experience as he prepares to pursue opportunities in the field, including positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
“This research position has been invaluable for my education,” Hargesheimer said. “It has facilitated the development of both technical knowledge and practical experience that I will need to succeed in graduate school and beyond. The mentorship model of the program provides individualized opportunities for growth and learning and allows for undergraduate students to participate in cutting-edge research. Additionally, the connections that I have developed will be invaluable for my continued success in this field.”
The research team has also submitted a second paper analyzing data from the March 2025 total lunar eclipse observed on MSU’s campus. That paper is currently under revision.
Birriel said the project demonstrates how undergraduate research opportunities at Morehead State can lead to meaningful scientific contributions while helping students build skills for graduate school and careers in STEM fields. Future URF students may continue using eclipse detectors to study light pollution and other astronomical phenomena.
For more information about its programs and opportunities, contact the Department of Engineering Sciences at 606-783-2381.
