How to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026
A practical guide to eclipse phases, safe viewing, and using a timer app to follow totality.
Read the guideBuilt for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026
Solar Eclipse App for iPhone and Android
Eclipse Companion is the easiest app to experience the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Get precise eclipse timing, a live countdown to totality, phase guidance, and planning tools for observers and photographers on iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Available on the App Store and Google Play
What You Get
Eclipse Companion is built for eclipse day, not generic astronomy browsing. It helps you know exactly when the important moments happen at your location.
Precise Eclipse Timing
See local C1, C2, maximum eclipse, C3, and C4 timings for your exact viewing area.
See local C1, C2, maximum eclipse, C3, and C4 timings for your exact viewing area.
Totality Countdown
Track the final seconds before totality so you can stay focused during the most important part of the eclipse.
Track the final seconds before totality so you can stay focused during the most important part of the eclipse.
Path of Totality Planning
Use the interactive map to see whether you are inside the path of totality and compare viewing locations.
Use the interactive map to see whether you are inside the path of totality and compare viewing locations.
Photography-Friendly Guidance
Follow eclipse phases and timing cues that help photographers prepare for brief, high-value moments.
Follow eclipse phases and timing cues that help photographers prepare for brief, high-value moments.
iPhone and Android Support
Use the same dedicated eclipse planning experience on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Use the same dedicated eclipse planning experience on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Why Eclipse Companion Helps You Prepare
Eclipse Companion is available for both iPhone and Android devices, making it easy for anyone to prepare for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The app provides precise eclipse timing, phase notifications, and tools designed for eclipse observers and photographers. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone, Eclipse Companion helps you stay ready for the most important seconds of totality.
For First-Time Observers
Learn when the eclipse starts, when totality begins, and how long the best phase lasts in your chosen location.
For Travel Planning
Compare cities, check totality path coverage, and review weather-oriented information before you commit to a spot.
For Eclipse Photography
Use the countdown and phase timing tools to prepare for the short window when the corona and other dramatic moments appear.
Eclipse Planning Guides
Explore practical guides for watching the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse, choosing the right eclipse app, and preparing for eclipse photography.
Best Apps for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
A comparison-style article about timing apps, astronomy apps, and dedicated eclipse tools.
Read the guideHow to Photograph a Solar Eclipse Safely
Equipment, timing, and field preparation tips for photographers chasing eclipse day shots.
Read the guideDesigned for Eclipse Observers
Main Screen with Countdown
See your selected city, eclipse status, countdown to totality, and immediate cloud forecast at a glance.
Immersive Eclipse Preview
Follow the eclipse progress visually with a clean timeline, while keeping weather and totality status visible on one screen.
Eclipse Details and Historical View
View contact timings, magnitude, visibility type, sunset timing, and a built-in Historical Viewing score in one clear overview.
Dedicated Historical Weather View
Open a focused historical screen with cloud score, sample eclipse hour, and the last five years of August 12 weather history for each city.
City Selection
Browse supported cities quickly, with filtering and sorting plus Historical Viewing score to narrow down the best observing options.
Compare Cities for the Best Spot
Compare candidate spots side by side across totality duration, sun altitude, live weather, and historical sky quality.
City Marker Insights
Turn on city markers to instantly spot which locations are inside totality, then open detailed contact timing for each candidate city.
Interactive Totality Map
Tap anywhere inside the totality band to preview local eclipse timing for that exact point.
iPad Landscape Map Experience
On iPad in landscape mode, the larger screen makes map lookup more immersive and easier for planning routes and observation points.
Hourly Forecast Breakdown
Open the detailed hourly panel to switch between live, eclipse day, and historical views for temperature, sky condition, and cloud cover.
Approaching Totality
Follow the final moments before totality with a focused visual transition that helps you stay oriented as the eclipse deepens.
During Totality
See the app's totality state during maximum eclipse, designed to keep the most important visual cues readable in the most dramatic moment.
General Eclipse Information
Keep planning simple with a clear overview of eclipse type, local conditions, and key observer guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the total solar eclipse?
The eclipse featured in the app takes place on August 12, 2026. Eclipse Companion helps you follow the event with local timing for your selected viewing area.
Who is the app for?
The app is designed for eclipse travelers, first-time observers, and photographers who need a reliable timing companion during eclipse day.
Why use a dedicated eclipse app?
Eclipse phases move quickly. A dedicated eclipse app makes it easier to stay on time than checking multiple sites or generic astronomy tools.
More Platforms and More Eclipses
Future updates will expand eclipse coverage worldwide while keeping the app focused on accurate timing and practical field use.