Software to Tracking the Solar Eclipse
Top Eclipse Tracking Software: Tools for Solar Observations
Observing a solar eclipse requires precise planning and tracking, and having the right software is essential important. The right software can make all the difference. Here’s a selection of the top programs and apps to elevate your solar eclipse experience:
Map of TSE 2024
Mobile Apps
Solar Eclipse Timer App: Solar Eclipse Timer App
- Features: Real-time notifications, countdown timer, GPS-based predictions
- Why It’s Great: This app provides accurate timing information and helps you not miss any crucial phases of the solar eclipse.
NASA’s Eyes: Eyes on the Solar System
- Features: Interactive 3D visualizations, data from NASA missions, real-time updates
- Why It’s Great: This software offers comprehensive information and interactive experiences to enhance understanding and observation of the solar eclipse.
Stellarium: Stellarium
- Features: Virtual planetarium, realistic sky views, detailed eclipse data
- Why It’s Great: Stellarium allows you to simulate future solar eclipses and provides accurate observation information.
Eclipse Safari: Eclipse Safari
- Features: Live updates, interactive maps, scientific explanations
- Why It’s Great: This app provides a comprehensive overview of the solar eclipse with many useful features for amateur astronomers.
These software tools will ensure you’re fully prepared to accurately track the next solar eclipse and make the most of this extraordinary event.
When and where is the Annular Solar Eclipse visible?
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be fully visible, including all phases, across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
This table provides the time that totality began in some U.S. cities in the path of totality. These areas also experienced a partial eclipse before and after these times.
Location | Partial Begins | Totality Begins | Maximum | Totality Ends | Partial Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dallas, Texas | 12:23 p.m. CDT | 1:40 p.m. CDT | 1:42 p.m. CDT | 1:44 p.m. CDT | 3:02 p.m. CDT |
Idabel, Oklahoma | 12:28 p.m. CDT | 1:45 p.m. CDT | 1:47 p.m. CDT | 1:49 p.m. CDT | 3:06 p.m. CDT |
Little Rock, Arkansas | 12:33 p.m. CDT | 1:51 p.m. CDT | 1:52 p.m. CDT | 1:54 p.m. CDT | 3:11 p.m. CDT |
Poplar Bluff, Missouri | 12:39 p.m. CDT | 1:56 p.m. CDT | 1:56 p.m. CDT | 2:00 p.m. CDT | 3:15 p.m. CDT |
Paducah, Kentucky | 12:42 p.m. CDT | 2:00 p.m. CDT | 2:01 p.m. CDT | 2:02 p.m. CDT | 3:18 p.m. CDT |
Carbondale, Illinois | 12:42 p.m. CDT | 1:59 p.m. CDT | 2:01 p.m. CDT | 2:03 p.m. CDT | 3:18 p.m. CDT |
Evansville, Indiana | 12:45 p.m. CDT | 2:02 p.m. CDT | 2:04 p.m. CDT | 2:05 p.m. CDT | 3:20 p.m. CDT |
Cleveland, Ohio | 1:59 p.m. EDT | 3:13 p.m. EDT | 3:15 p.m. EDT | 3:17 p.m. EDT | 4:29 p.m. EDT |
Erie, Pennsylvania | 2:02 p.m. EDT | 3:16 p.m. EDT | 3:18 p.m. EDT | 3:20 p.m. EDT | 4:30 p.m. EDT |
Buffalo, New York | 2:04 p.m. EDT | 3:18 p.m. EDT | 3:20 p.m. EDT | 3:22 p.m. EDT | 4:32 p.m. EDT |
Burlington, Vermont | 2:14 p.m. EDT | 3:26 p.m. EDT | 3:27 p.m. EDT | 3:29 p.m. EDT | 4:37 p.m. EDT |
Lancaster, New Hampshire | 2:16 p.m. EDT | 3:27 p.m. EDT | 3:29 p.m. EDT | 3:30 p.m. EDT | 4:38 p.m. EDT |
Caribou, Maine | 2:22 p.m. EDT | 3:32 p.m. EDT | 3:33 p.m. EDT | 3:34 p.m. EDT | 4:40 p.m. EDT |
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth, completely covering the Sun’s disk and casting its full shadow, known as the umbra, onto specific regions of the Earth.
Solar eclipses can also appear in other forms, including partial, annular, and hybrid eclipses.
As the Moon shifts during a total solar eclipse, its full shadow sweeps across Earth, tracing a route called the “path of totality.” In simple terms, to capture a total solar eclipse, you must position yourself within the path of totality—there’s no other way!
Plan and SetUp
Phases of the Eclipses
- Partial Eclipse Begins (1st Contact - C1): The Moon starts to move across the solar disk.
- Total Eclipse Begins (2nd Contact - C2): The solar disk is almost fully covered by the Moon. This is the moment to capture phenomena like Baily’s Beads and the Diamond Ring effect.
- Totality and Maximum Eclipse (Max.): The Moon completely obscures the Sun, leaving only its outer atmosphere, the corona, visible. The sky darkens, and temperatures drop noticeably.
- Total Eclipse Ends (3rd Contact - C3): The Moon starts to uncover the solar disk. Once again, just before totality ends, you can photograph the Baily’s Beads and the Diamond Ring effect.
- Partial Eclipse Ends (4th Contact - C4): The Moon fully moves away from the solar disk, marking the end of the eclipse.
When tracking a solar eclipse with software, there are a few important points to consider:
- Accuracy of Data: Make sure the software provides precise calculations to determine the exact position of the eclipse and the timing of its various phases.
- Up-to-date Software: Use current programs based on the latest astronomical data.
- Location Determination: Your location is crucial. Be sure to pinpoint your exact position to achieve the best results.
- Software Features: Take advantage of features such as the prediction of the path of totality, live tracking, and simulations to follow the event optimally.
- Safety: Ensure the software provides the best recommendations for safely observing the solar eclipse, especially if using telescopes or cameras.
There was almost a mystical & magical atmosphere that took over the city.
Lucas Gatsas
