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November: Do NASA Science LIVE!
Activity Type
Explore and classify data for NASA
Topic
NASA, space research, planetary science, Earth science
Audience
Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups
Location
Indoors, possibly in a computer lab
Materials
Each participant needs an internet-connected tablet or computer
Low Tech Options
Encourage participants to bring their own devices. This project uses a web platform.
Program Description
Join our Do NASA Science LIVE! event on November 19th from 4:00-5:30pm ET and connect your community with NASA-supported citizen science. Participants will collaborate with scientists and volunteers around the world in a live Zoom event while contributing to real NASA research.
Each Do NASA Science LIVE! event features a different NASA citizen science project. The November 2026 project will be Artifact InSPECtor, which asks participants to look at telescope data and help teach AI to tell the difference between real objects in space and artifacts that don’t belong. Review the resources below to prepare for hosting your event.
As the facilitator, you’ll livestream the event in your space, welcome participants, help them get started, and support questions during the activity. SciStarter and the NASA project team will lead the live program. You simply create a fun, engaging environment for your community.
$500 Mini-Grants Available!
Libraries interested in hosting Do NASA Science LIVE! can apply for a $500 mini-grant to support their event. To participate, libraries must host an in-person gathering where community members can tune in to the live virtual event, engage with NASA scientists, and participate in citizen science activities. All you need is a space to gather, a reliable internet connection, a screen or projector, and someone to help facilitate the event. SciStarter provides promotional materials, event resources, and a brief pre-event training to help you prepare. Libraries can apply to host a single event or participate in multiple months, with the opportunity to receive an additional $500 for each approved event. Visit the Do NASA Science LIVE! pages to learn more about hosting requirements and apply for a mini-grant!
PLAN for a one-hour and 30-minute event
Prep (2-3 hours)
- Attend or watch a recording of a facilitator workshop to gain the most up to date information.
- Determine what resources you will use from the event toolkit provided by SciStarter. See an example
from April 2026 here. Prepare materials at your own pace and schedule. - Register for the Do NASA Science LIVE! Zoom event, your in-person attendees will not need to register.
Event Flow (November 19, 2026 | 4:00-5:30pm ET)
- Before the Zoom event: Prepare and test the event space, welcome participants, and sign into the Zoom event waiting room.
- During the Zoom event: Encourage questions and discussion during the live Q&A. Light facilitation might be necessary to ensure instructions for set up are understood.
- After the Zoom event: Celebrate participants’ contributions and share take-home resources before they leave.
*Incentive suggestions: Certificate recognizing the “Top Citizen Scientist,” free used book from the Friends of the Library bookstore, Sticker or button (see SciStarter designs), Brain teaser/puzzle book, Gift card.
No prior experience is needed, just curiosity. Participants of all ages can contribute to real NASA research and learn how we can accelerate discovery.
Featured Project
Artifact InSPECtor
Help train a computer model to detect artifacts in space telescope data
Anytime
Indoors
Physics, Astronomy & Space
See all NASA Citizen Science Projects at SciStarter.org/NASA.
Program Resources
An Introduction from the Project Leader
Start your event with this short video introducing Stall Catchers and explaining how participants contribute to Alzheimer’s disease research.
View this recorded Do NASA Science LIVE! event from April 2026
Acts of Science: Connected – What’s the Weather like on Mars?
Libraries and community organizations joined the NASA-supported Cloudspotting on Mars project team and SciStarter for a live citizen science event.
Complementary Projects & Resources
November is also a great time to explore local phenology. Consider exploring the below projects.
Nature’s Notebook
Track seasonal changes in your own neighborhood and report them to the researchers at the USA National Phenology Network.
Anytime
Outdoors
Nature, seasons, weather