Crowdsourcing An Underground Movement : “Back in 1996, a group of baby cicadas burrowed into soils in the eastern U.S. to lead a quiet life of constant darkness and a diet of roots. Now at the ripe age of 17, those little cicadas are all grown up and it’s time to molt, procreate and die while annoying a few million humans with their constant chirping in the process.

We know that when 8 inches below the surfaces reaches 64 degrees F those little buggers will be everywhere, but we don’t know when that’ll be. That’s why WNYC is asking “armchair scientists, lovers of nature and DIY makers” for your help to predict the emergence of cicadas.

Here’s what to do: Go to WYNC‘s website and follow the directions to create your own temperature sensor. When things start to warm up, report your temperature findings to the station. As the results come in, WNYC will map out the findings and share them online.” (All Tech Considered : NPR).