NASA Eclipse App

[RiffD]

NASA is asking people to use their SunSketcher app to record the eclipse this April. They will be using the information gathered to more accurately determine the oblateness of the sun and can be used to study solar gravity affecting the inner planets. More here: NASA Eclipse App

 

[Marc_G]

I will likely participate, weather permitting. Thanks for the notice.

 

[tsmith1315]

Does the app reduce the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor, or does it use your GPS coordinates to only allow imaging when totality has begun, or…?

 

[RiffD]

Does the app reduce the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor, or does it use your GPS coordinates to only allow imaging when totality has begun, or…?

From the app's FAQ's : When in the eclipse path, our app is preprogrammed to take a series of photographs of the totality at the appropriate time. With user consent, these images will be sent to our database along with the time and location at which they were taken.

So sounds like it will use your GPS coordinates to take the photos when it wants them. Doesn't say anything about reducing the sensitivity of the sensor but does say filtered pictures are useful too and that you can use the same material as the viewing glasses to cover your camera.

 

[tsmith1315]

When in the eclipse path, our app is preprogrammed to take a series of photographs of the totality at the appropriate time

During totality, that makes sense. Thanks!

I’m in the 70% zone, it wouldn’t be useful here.

 

[jqavins]

App installed.

EDIT: Also asked my family to install it, and emailed my friend and two nieces in Texas who live in the path of totality (San Antonio and Austin).