Researchers to conduct unique study with ham radios during solar eclipse

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Monday's total eclipse will be a historic even that will stretch from coast to coast, but some Chicago researchers are using the event to do some unique research.

During the two minutes and 40 seconds of totality, the sun's outer layer will be visible and can be looked at with the naked eye.

At the University of Chicago, Professor emeritus Jonathan Rosner is working with a nationwide network of ham radio operators during the eclipse.

"To study the differences in radio propagation during the eclipse, and this happens not only during the path of totality but several hundreds of miles to one side or the either of it," Rosner said.

AM radio signals can be heard from great distances at night and part of Rosner's study is to see how pronounced this actual effect is during the eclipse.

Hundreds of ham operators will be participating in the research.

Rosner conducted a similar study in Europe during an eclipse back in 1999.