To help you, the Globe has put together a list of apps for both iOS and Android devices that will show you what to expect on eclipse day, teach you more about the eclipse, and offer crucial information for tracking the path of total darkness. Remember to make sure you’re wearing eclipse glasses when gazing at the sun during the eclipse.
The Eclipse App
Following the eclipse requires good timing and careful preparation. The Eclipse App includes a countdown clock. Inside the app, you will “find your community” from 19 regions in the path of totality. Pick your location (save favorites) and the navigation map will allow you to check out the time and duration of the eclipse in your area. Users may need to make “in-app purchases” for extra cloud forecasts and countdown clocks specific to their area. Each site includes a list of events and nearby parks.
Solar Eclipse Timer
The Solar Eclipse Timer by Foxwood Astronomy tells you what to do during the eclipse: countdowns, glasses on or glasses off. The app was developed by an eclipse expert and educator. The app reminds you to watch for things like temperature and lighting changes, animal behavior, shadow bands, umbra approach, and more. The device can be synced to smartwatches.
Solar Eclipse
The Solar Eclipse app by Exploratorium has maps, livestreams, and eclipse facts. Click anywhere on the map for information about how much of the eclipse you will see and time references for each phase of the eclipse. The developers are NASA partners.
Eclipse Calculator 2
Eclipse Calculator 2 by the University of Barcelona is for Android devices and uses the phone’s camera to depict how the event will look in the sky from your position, using lines overlaid on top of the camera image.
Eclipse Soundscapes
Eclipse Soundscapes by ARISA Lab is a multisensory app that allows people who are blind or low-sensory to participate in astronomical events with real-time narrations and descriptive audio provided by the GBH National Center for Accessible Media. You can find photos, educational information, and learning tools. A row of tabs at the bottom of the app — Center, Features, Media, and Menu — guides you to the tools. Rumble maps produce audio tones and vibrations depending on the amount of light in a particular spot.
For more apps, check out the American Astronomical Society’s list of “eclipse-specific apps.”
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @ReadCarlos and on Instagram @Carlosbrknews.
Alex Mitchell is your go-to expert for all things mobile. With a passion for the latest smartphones, apps, and mobile innovations, Alex provides in-depth reviews, insightful analyses, and breaking news about the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. Stay connected with Alex to navigate the fast-paced realm of mobile devices.
