Space Archaeologist
Have you always wanted to be a real life Indiana Jones? Global Xplorer is an organization that has created a new online tool will allow you to remotely analyze images of ancient sites taken from space. You can discover their hidden secrets and even protect them from looting and damage. Welcome to the 21st-century world of space archaeology!
GlobalXplorer° is an online platform that uses the power of the crowd to analyze the incredible wealth of satellite images currently available to archaeologists. Launched by 2016 TED Prize winner and National Geographic Fellow, Dr. Sarah Parcak, as her “wish for the world,” GlobalXplorer° aims to bring the wonder of archaeological discovery to all, and to help us better understand our connection to the past. So far, Dr. Parcak’s techniques have helped locate 17 potential pyramids, in addition to 3,100 potential forgotten settlements and 1,000 potential lost tombs in Egypt — and she's also made significant discoveries in the Viking world and Roman Empire. With the help of citizen scientists across the globe, she hopes to uncover much, much more.
Satellite imagery gives us a new tool in the global fight to protect our cultural heritage. Become a space archaeologist and document threats to ancient sites. Help authorities get there first.
Global Xplorer enlists the help of ordinary people to review satellite data. It’s an unbelievably huge task for an individual, and artificial intelligence hasn’t yet caught up. But if you’re interested in archeology and have a few hours to spare this could be a fabulous project for you. Check out their website.
How do I expand this narrative arc?
Are you seriously interested in archeology, if so, consider spending your summer at Stones and Bones, a unique program that includes classroom time based at the University of Chicago and Chicago’s Field Museum and work at active archeological sites.
This project also links in nicely with a history narrative arc. Consider turning your work into an independent study paper about ancient history.
HOT TIP: Citizen science projects are a great way to get engaged in something interesting and different that does not require a large time commitment. This project is unlikely to deliver much independent punch to your resume, but it could spark a new interest, provide a launching off point for a school paper or a compelling college essay or it could expand and deepen an existing narrative arc. When pursuing activities like this, if you discover an interest think about how you can take it to the next level. There’s a lot of flexibility in here.