The countdown to the total solar eclipse on August 21 has begun, and viewers can prepare with Eclipse Safari, a new mobile app from Simulation Curriculum (creators of SkySafari) — in partnership with Space.com — that provides skywatchers with an interactive eclipse map, letting users know exactly when the eclipse will start in their location, how long it will last and when it will end. The app, which also includes Space.com’s complete eclipse news coverage, is available now for Apple and Android.
The total solar eclipse on August 21 will cross the continental U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina; a partial eclipse will be visible from most of North America. Eclipse Safari allows users to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, whether they will be in the “path of totality,” where the total eclipse will be visible, or outside it. Eclipse Safari provides users with general eclipse information and viewing-safety guidelines from Space.com. It also regularly updates with a list of eclipse articles from Space.com and from around the web to help people best prepare for the day.
“The 2017 total solar eclipse is definitely the skywatching event of the year and we’re so thrilled Space.com could join Simulation Curriculum to create Eclipse Safari,” said Tariq Malik, managing editor of Space.com. “All of the tools and information we’ve been sharing with our readers are available on the app. It’s a fantastic resource for everyone who will be in the path of the partial or total solar eclipse this August 21.”
The app includes many other features, including a simulated view of how the eclipse will look in the sky from any given location and a simulated view of how the eclipse will look from space.
“Eclipse Safari offers a combination of great content, timely news articles and an interactive map that will give users the most optimal eclipse viewing experience,” said Pedro Braganca, director of education and content for Simulation Curriculum. “Because of our partnership with Space.com, we’re able to keep users up to date with the very latest eclipse news and events. There’s something new to learn each time you launch the app.”
