These Are the Apps You’ll Need For Today’s Lunar Eclipse – Info Computing

Lunar eclipses only come around once in a blue moon (figuratively speaking, of course). Later this evening, our Earth will block the sun’s light from hitting the surface of the Moon. Along with its usual bright white look, our Moon will also don a reddish color for a short period of time.

Watching a lunar eclipse won’t damage your vision like a solar eclipse, so no need for any special eyewear. You can, however, get ready for the event in other ways. Here are a few smartphone apps you should install in advance of the lunar eclipse to enjoy it to the fullest.

Track the moon through the sky

Unfortunately, those of us in North America won’t be able to catch the lunar event (total eclipse starts at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT), but those traveling or watching online via livestreams can still join in the fun.

Apps like Deluxe Moon Pro ($2.99) on iOS and Deluxe Moon ($3.99) on Android will teach you tons about the moon’s current state, including moon phases, when the moon will rise and set, and when you can expect it to be at full brightness. For a more affordable option, apps like Phases of the Moon (Android, iOS) even show the names of the moon’s craters. iOS users can check out My Moon Phase (free), which offers similar information and even tells you the best time to photograph the moon.

Take your shot

Today’s lunar eclipse will be the longest of this century, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to get some great shots for the ‘gram.

Most moon photography looks best during the blue hour, which is roughly 30 minutes before sunrise and 10-15 minutes after sunset. Apps like the aforementioned My Moon Phase and others will tell you when that blue hour is coming up. Sun Surveyor ($9.99 on iOS, $7.99 on Android) lets you track the moon and helps you set your plan of attack to grab your money shot. It even lists out the best upcoming viewing conditions for potential future photo ops. If $10 is too pricey, the app offers a version for free in case you want to test it out first.

You may choose to take a basic moon photo, but a time-lapse shot is way more fun. If you have a tripod or a way to prop up your phone, you can chart the entire lunar eclipse by switching your phone to its time-lapse mode and pointing your device toward the sky.

Your iPhone and (most) Android devices should both have time-lapse modes built directly into their default camera apps. Apps on Android like Lapse It and Framelapse let you accomplish the same (both have free and for-pay versions). App built specifically for low-light photography like NightCap ($1.99) and Photo Pills ($9.99) also have time-lapse features you can take advantage of.

Shoot for the moon, land among the stars

Just because the lunar eclipse will eventually be over doesn’t mean the fun has to be, too. Continue your sky-gazing with apps like Sky Guide ($2.99) or Night Sky (free) on iOS, or Stellarium Mobile Sky Map ($2.49) or Sky Map (free) on Android, which allow your phone to guide you around the stars. Both apps combine augmented reality with your device’s compass so you can hold your device up to the sky and easily identify stars. Don’t worry about not identifying every single constellation; Unlike today’s lunar eclipse, this show always gets an encore every night.