Subject: Last Chance to Join the CAP/NASA 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission
Take part in this new CAP Citizen Science Mission [https://8dlh674ab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=e1806575-2969-4e06-b8a6-be8af00bd7f8&...]
[https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/0957e61b-37b4-4ebb-9e5d-64f96e...]
DISTRO TO:
Commander, DCS/AE, DAE, AEO
AE Leaders:
This is your last chance to register for the 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission and take part in an exciting citizen science adventure with Civil Air Patrol. This official CAP mission is available to all Cadet and Senior members. Find out how you can be a part of this incredible opportunity before registration closes on February 14th.
What is the 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission?
Aviation Skywatch is the 2026 CAP/NASA Mission. This will be the fifth mission conducted by Civil Air Patrol in collaboration with NASA, building on the success of the previous CAP/NASA missions. The mission harkens back to Operation Skywatch, a US Air Force program in the 1950s designed to identify and track aircraft before radar was available; CAP helped train the skywatchers of the Ground Observer Corps. [https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/d09cd7b9-99d5-433f-862f-07c59a...] More About the Mission
* Collect data and atmospheric conditions (similar to the 2025 Aviation Weather Mission * Identify and track specific aircraft across multiple wings and regions * Help NASA scientists better understand weather conditions that impact commercial aircraft * 3 Observation dates: 14 March, 11 April, and 16 May * Teams must participate in two of the missions to receive credit
[https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/279e7f71-7d10-4a67-a35f-2228b2...] [https://files.constantcontact.com/b7ca3d9f701/641ee80a-7cb3-4a47-a581-5256f6...] Why Join?
* Be part of a NASA-supported citizen science project. * Learn about aviation weather, aircraft identification, orienteering, tracking, and communications. * Gain hands-on STEM experiences that make a difference. * Connect with a team of curious, motivated cadets and mentors. * QCUA credit for STEM Team * Participants are eligible to apply for CAP/NASA Micro Internships
Sign Up Today!
Participating squadrons are responsible for fielding an observation team of 8 to 18 CAP volunteers. These volunteers should:
* Be in good standing * Completed their GES (General Emergency Services) training * Received their first achievement (Curry Award) if a Cadet * Completed Level 1 if a Senior Member * Completed Cadet Protection Training if over 18 * Have a complete CAP utility uniform such as ABUs or CAP Polos. Note: A CAP Hot Weather uniform is authorized for this mission for situations such as extreme heat conditions when other uniforms may prove to be a safety issue. * Complete the Core Training Materials before their first observation mission.
Teams can be comprised entirely of Senior Members, Cadets (with the required adult supervision onsite), or a combination of Cadets and SMs. If a squadron does not have enough volunteers to field a team alone, they are welcome to form a joint observation team with a neighboring unit.
Team Leaders must be a Senior Member meeting the requirements listed above. To register a Team (not individuals).
Mission Staff positions (Operations, Training, Administration, and Data Management) are open to Cadets and Senior Members.
If you have additional questions or need clarification, please reply to this email or contact the Mission Director Capt. Dave Wells at dwells@cap.govmailto:dwells@cap.gov, (865) 898-0056
Civil Air Patrol/Aerospace Education | 105 S. Hansell Street Maxwell Air Force Base | Montgomery, AL 36112 US
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