DECATUR, Ala., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After 15 years, Foxwood Astronomy announces the release of its latest solar eclipse mobile app, Solar Eclipse Timer. The original talking eclipse timer was developed in 2002 and ran on Windows 98 and Windows Pocket PC Operating Systems.  Solar Eclipse Timer is now an easy to use smart phone app containing unique features, only found in this app; it is like having your own personal astronomer help you on Eclipse Day! 

The August 21, 2017 eclipse will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people and this app is an inexpensive tool to ensure that they observe safely and don't miss a second of this wonderful event. 

Once in the path of totality, with just 2 taps, this app determines your exact location using GPS, calculates precise contact times and is ready to "talk" you through the eclipse. 

Many first time observers will travel to the 70 mile wide path of totality and most will find themselves unsure of how to fully enjoy the eclipse.  These lucky people will see the main event. The awe inspiring Corona is certainly the star of the show. However, the partial phases leading up to totality are worth a glance too.

Eclipse observing is a social event.  People mill around, talk, & enjoy the company of fellow observers during the hour and a half between 1st contact (when the Moon first touches the edge of the solar disk) and 2nd contact (when the Moon completely covers the Sun).  These activities can lead to distraction and many people miss the chance to enjoy the small nuances of the event like changes in temperature, changes in lighting, and changes in animal behavior, all due to the effect of the shrinking Sun. Solar Eclipse Timer audibly reminds observers to look for these partial phase phenomena with announcements at the proper times.

Once totality begins, Solar Eclipse Timer is the only app that announces when it is safe to remove solar eclipse glasses.  It also marks mid-eclipse with a tone and reminds observers to look at the stunning colored horizon.  As third contact approaches, observers are reminded to put eclipse glasses back on. 

Other helpful features exclusive to this app include a demo session, used to practice photography that plays a totality movie that is synchronized with the timers; and for serious photographers, a unique calculator that lists the times to take partial phase images so that later those images can be used to create beautiful, equally spaced partial phase image compilations just like the professionals.

The app includes an extensive help file detailing the use of its unique features.  This help file also includes eclipse day checklists and educational information about the partial phase phenomena.

Created for first-time eclipse observers as well as veteran eclipse chasers, Solar Eclipse Timer is available for Android and Apple users.

Here's what people are saying about the app on Google Play Review:

James E. (5 stars)
"The app is great and very useful. Eclipse phenomena pass by very quickly, and it's great to have a timer app that will not only calculate times based on GPS location, but will talk to you so you don't have to take your eyes off the eclipse to look at the phone. The devs know what is needed in such an app and they gave it to us."

Mark C. (5 stars)
"I am not much into apps but I wanted the full experience of the eclipse. The app was super easy to set up even for a rookie like me. Thanks for thinking about others when you made this app."

Brad S. (5 stars)
This is simply amazing, and exactly what I was hoping to find. Love it!

To learn more about the app, please visit www.solareclipsetimer.com
For iOS download on the Apple App Store - http://apple.co/2lWu4Nw  
For Android download on the Google Play Store - http://bit.ly/2p4mNi8

About Foxwood Astronomy
Foxwood Astronomy is owned by Gordon Telepun, a physician by day and an amateur astronomer by night.  He has witnessed 3 total solar eclipses and is a NASA subject matter expert for this eclipse. 

SOURCE Foxwood Astronomy

Related Links

http://www.solareclipsetimer.com