The 5 Best Apps to Use for the Total Solar Eclipse

During Monday’s total solar eclipse, there will be a lot of different ways to watch the eclipse. For anyone who wants extra eclipse info, or even data on how much of the eclipse they are experiencing as the moon overtakes the Sun, there are several apps available for Android or iPhone. Here are a few of the best, in no particular order.

5. Smithsonian Eclipse 2017

The Smithsonian Eclipse 2017 app, which will give you a live stream of NASA coverage. The app can also calculate your own view from where you are and provide you with a virtual eclipse simulator. It also gives you access to additional eclipse info via the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Free

4. Eclipse Soundscapes

This app is engineered as a way for those who are blind or visually impaired to experience the eclipse. A collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, NASA’s Heliophysics Education Consortium, the National Center for Accessible Media and the National Park Service, this app provides an interactive “Rumble map”; which, according to the app description, works like so:

Our technology translates images of key eclipse features into a series of unique frequency modulated tones that map out variations in light and dark as the user explores the image with their fingertips. These tones are specially designed to make the user’s mobile device shake, or rumble, in response to the changes.

The app also includes audio descriptions of key features of the eclipse, and a live narration of the eclipse while it’s going down in the user’s area. Free

3. NASA

The NASA app is an obvious choice for eclipse info and viewing. They are planning an eclipse-viewing bonanza and it can all be live-streamed from your phone. “Eclipse Across America: Through the Eyes of NASA” will be a four-hour show starting with a preview at 12 p.m. Eastern, before the solar eclipse commences after 1 p.m. Featuring live reports from across the country, it will include views from research aircraft, high-altitude balloons, satellites, and specially modified telescopes. Free

2. Total Solar Eclipse By Exploratorium

The Exploratorium, a museum in San Francisco will have telescopes pointed at the eclipse Oregon and Wyoming, and will be livestreaming the event via this app. There will also be live coverage in English and Spanish by Exploratorium educators and NASA scientists. This app also includes an interactive map that let’s you see the level of total eclipse experienced from your location. Free

1. Solar Eclipse by Redshift

Another good choice is Solar Eclipse by Redshift, which gives you four different eclipse simulations: a view from your current location, the best location, from orbit, and from the Sun. It also comes loaded with illustrated facts about the eclipse and informative videos. $1.99