Apps That Will Help You Watch The Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipse? Yeah, there's an app for that. Monday, Aug. 21, in the early afternoon, the moon will cross between the sun and the earth and a total solar eclipse will occur — and yeah, it's going to be really flipping awesome.

While the eclipse will only be considered a "total eclipse" for a few states that happen to fall into the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be seen everywhere else in the country. And while there are some obvious things you'll need to see the eclipse, like a pair of NASA-approved protective eyewear and a great open place to watch, there are a few less obvious things that will serve to better your eclipse-viewing experience: apps.

Yep, there are a few apps that will really help you (geek) out. Some apps help you collect data on the eclipse, other apps help you find the best viewing spot, while others just increase your viewing pleasure by offering all sorts of facts to help you understand exactly what's going, as it's going on. You know, apps that will make you the queen of your eclipse party, if that's the title you're after. Here are a few apps that are worth clearing storage space for:

Eclipse Explorer

Keeping track of your specific GPS location and the sun and the moon, this app lets you know whenever an eclipse or interesting sky event is within view for you.

Eclipse Explorer, Free, App Store

Tour Of The Great American Eclipse

This web app lets you see what the eclipse will look like in each city across the country. If you're thinking about road tripping, this is your guide.

Total Solar Eclipse

The Exploratorium science and art museum in San Francisco has made their own app to offer live images and footage of the solar eclipse as it's happening. If you're in a partial-view area, you're going to want to be logged onto this app.

Total Solar Eclipse, Free, App Store

Solar Eclipse Timer

This app literally talks you through the whole eclipse. It gives you prompts to let you know when to put your glasses on and where to look. It lets you know exactly what's going on, as it's happening.

Solar Eclipse Timer, $1.99, App Store

Eclipse Megamovie

If you want to win Instagram, you're going to need to download this app. It helps you take the perfect picture with the right exposure and stability.

Eclipse Megamovie Mobile, Free, App Store

Black Sun

Curious about what the eclipse will look like from where you are? This app will help you get a good idea of what it will look like from your exact locations, completely preparing you for what's to come. If you can't decide where you want to watch from, you can use this app to test out a few locations.

Black Sun Your Total Eclipse Companion, $0.99, App Store

Eclipse Run

The weather can totally effect the way we see the eclipse. If it's super cloudy, we might not see a whole lot of anything, specifically. This app helps you to see what the weather is going to be like, all along the path of totality, so you can plan accordingly and avoid bad-weather areas.

Eclipse Run, Free, App Store