Solar eclipse 2024: what to know and how to prepare for it
AccuWeather astronomy expert Brian Lada explains key things to know about the upcoming total solar eclipse that will darken U.S. skies from Texas to Maine on April 8.
A total solar eclipse will have millions of people from Texas to Maine gazing at the sky on the afternoon of April 8.
The eclipse will plunge people along a narrow path into midday darkness, but people outside the path of totality can still use eclipse glasses to see the moon pass in front of the sun. Additionally, brands like Burger King and Pizza Hut are getting in on the eclipse excitement as well.
If you can't get your hands on special eclipse glasses, or you can't go outside or to a nearby window, there are plenty of apps you can use to track the eclipse on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Below is a summary of some of these applications.
For additional information regarding applications and software related to the total solar eclipse on April 8, you can visit the website American Astronomical Society website.
When will the total solar eclipse be in 2024?: Your guide to spectacles, forecasts, and where to watch.
Total solar eclipse
Solar Eclipse is an “innovative” app developed by the Exploratorium, a science, technology and art museum in San Francisco, in partnership with NASA, according to the app's description in Apple's App Store.
The app's description reads: “Experience the upcoming eclipse like never before with this app designed for eclipse enthusiasts and curious minds alike.” “Whether you are inside or outside the eclipse's path, enhance your eclipse viewing experience with live, close-up views of the Sun's surface from our advanced telescopes.”
The app has a 3.8-star rating on the App Store and is designed exclusively for iPad and iPhone. You can Download it here.
Eclipse 2024
This app, made by developer Saira Creations, allows people to tap a marker anywhere on a map to see if that location will see a total eclipse, as well as the start time and duration.
The app has a 3.1-star rating on the Apple App Store and is designed exclusively for iPad and iPhone. You can Download it here.
One eclipse
One Eclipse is an app designed by Simulation Curriculum Corp in collaboration with Astronomers Without Borders.
The app description reads: “Experience the total solar eclipse of 2024 and support the education and outreach programs of Astronomers Without Borders in more than 145 countries.”
The app could serve as a “passport” to the April 8 solar eclipse, according to its description, and its main features include a countdown timer, an interactive eclipse map, and an eclipse simulator.
It has a 4.7-star rating in the Apple App Store and you can Download it here.
NASA application
According to the AAS, the NASA app allows you to watch a live stream of the eclipse.
In addition to live streaming, the NASA app also offers the latest NASA images, news, mission information, podcasts and interactive augmented reality experiences for exploration, according to its description on the App Store.
It has a rating of 4.8 stars and you can Download it here.
Gabe Hoare is a national news correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @Gaby Houari Or email him at [email protected].
“Explorer. Unapologetic entrepreneur. Alcohol fanatic. Certified writer. Wannabe tv evangelist. Twitter fanatic. Student. Web scholar. Travel buff.”
