Agent Derek Meister-Geek Squad spoke to Bill about Smartphone Apps for the 2024 Eclipse - Totality - Good free app - The Eclipse Company - Paid, but Real-Time Weather / Cloud Updates - Solar Eclipse Timer App - A little fiddly to set up but THE app for eclipse photographers
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Smartphone Apps for the 2024 Eclipse
sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2024/03/29/solar-eclipse-apps-2024/73131129007/
Totality - Good free app
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: free
Created by eclipse-chaser Jeff Bennett at Big Kid Science, this app has been donated to the American Astronomical Society and comes without ads. It’s an easy way of accessing eclipse maps in a simple, clear way that works great on a smartphone. It includes interactive maps for April 8’s total solar eclipse in the U.S. and October 2, 2024’s annular solar eclipse on Easter Island and in South America. The maps are pre-loaded, so they can be consulted offline, though a cell reception is required to get timings for the eclipse for specific locations. Bennet also offers a book of the same name as well as readings.
The Eclipse Company - Paid, but Real-Time Weather / Cloud Updates
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free, but Pro features cost extra
The “Pro” version of The Eclipse Company’s new app offers real-time weather updates and cloud forecasts for totality, a countdown timer with a vibration alert to let you know when it’s safe to remove your solar eclipse glasses, and detailed information about local eclipse events.
Solar Eclipse Timer App - A little fiddly to set up but THE app for eclipse photographers
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: $1.99 per eclipse
Developed by eclipse chaser and eclipse educator Gordon Telepun, author of “Eclipse Day: 2024 and More” on Apple Books, the Solar Eclipse Timer app geolocates your position, confirms you’re in (or out) of the path of totality, and talks you through the contact times. It also calls out when to check for other phenomena, such as shadow bands. New for 2024 is a Photographer’s Mode, a timing aid for imaging developed with ex-NASA eclipse calculator and photographer Fred Espenak, a.k.a. “Mr. Eclipse.
One Eclipse - Supports a good cause
Platforms: iOS (no Android version)
Cost: $1.99
Created by the non-profit Astronomers Without Borders and Simulation Curriculum (makers of the SkySafari planetarium app), OneEclipse supports an eclipse glasses recycling program for underserved communities worldwide. In addition to allowing you to simulate the eclipse from your location or anywhere on Earth, there’s an interactive map that includes precise eclipse event times and a dynamic Eclipse Countdown clock.
It also has information on recycling your eclipse glasses.