# Solar Eclipse Timer — Solar Eclipse "Talking" Timer! > Offline solar eclipse countdown timer with precise contact time calculations. (iPhone/iPad app by Foxwood Astronomy, LLC..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Foxwood Astronomy, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180239027) - Category: Photo & Video, Navigation - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 3.80/5 from 560 App Store ratings · 158 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 231 MB - Languages: American English, European Spanish - Released: 2017-02-13 - Data updated: 2026-08-21 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865/reviews.md ## What is Solar Eclipse Timer? The Solar Eclipse Timer app is marking its 6th eclipse since 2017, which speaks volumes about its reliability and the trust it has built within the eclipse-chasing community. Helping tens of thousands of people enjoy the eclipse more by being reminded to observe all the fascinating eclipse phenomena. Photographers are aided by down-to-the-second precision and countdowns. Since the 2026 path covers some remote areas as well as high-traffic spots in Spain where cell service could be overwhelmed on eclipse day, the app works offline once unlocked. So, geolocation and contact time calculation are all done within the app. This makes it a true "field tool." The app is free to try, and for only a $1.99 in-app purchase to unlock the 2026 eclipse, it's an easy "yes" for anyone who has invested time and travel to be in the path of totality. In-App Video Tutorial: The first button on the Home Screen provides a comprehensive tutorial that explains all the app's functions and how to use them effectively. Audio and Notification Tests: The second button lets users run a "device sound check" to confirm that audio cues, spoken timings, and notifications are audible, which is critical since the app is designed to talk to you. Practice Session Video: The third button launches a 4-minute-45-second video of my actual eclipse-day observation site in 2024, synchronized with the app's real-time announcements. This allows both observers and photographers to practice their routines repeatedly, such as observing for shadow bands, adjusting shutter speeds, and knowing when to remove solar filters. Additionally, dialogue boxes appear as functions are selected, giving you more guidance. On eclipse day, after you get into the path, you can be timing the eclipse in 3 easy steps: 1. Tap to geolocate. 2. Tap to have the app calculate the precise contact times. 3. Tap to load the times into the timer. That's it! You are timing the eclipse. A major convenience feature of the app is the automatic calculation of the clock times needed to capture a perfect set of partial-phase images before and after totality. It is the only app in the world with this function. Collaborating with the late Fred Espenak (Mr. Eclipse) on Photographers Mode before the 2024 eclipse gives the app an incredible pedigree. For pros who need to stay "in the zone" and only care about timing and countdowns from C1 through C4, this mode is a game-changer. You can manually enter coordinates and save the site as a file. This helps compare multiple potential viewing locations. The app includes a hyperlink to the Solar Eclipse Timer website, which gives access to downloadable worksheets to record your partial-phase image times or the chores you want to do in Photographers mode, as well as my Master Stop Chart to count full and partial camera stops. I have observed and photographed six total solar eclipses and one annular eclipse. The concept of an eclipse “talking” timer was developed by me in 2002. I have been helping people time eclipses for almost 25 years. When you use the app, you will appreciate that it was designed by an eclipse chaser. There is also a link to learn more about my comprehensive eclipse observation and photography book, now in its second edition, titled “Eclipse Day.” The app also has a partial eclipse timing mode. This app is ad-free and does not track any user data. ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION DURING THE PARTIAL PHASES OF A SOLAR ECLIPSE! OR EVEN WHEN IT IS BRIGHT! NOT DOING SO CAN CAUSE EYE DAMAGE! We are NOT liable for misuse of the app, causing inaccurate timing, or the lack of eye safety precautions during the observation of a solar eclipse. The "glasses off" and "glasses on" statements are guides based on the calculated contact times. The timing can be affected by your phone's clock and the shape of the shadow due to the edge of the lunar limb. Use the Adjust buttons for Lunar Limb variation time adjustments. Glasses should be ON if it's bright! ## Key features - Offline eclipse timing - Precise contact time calculation - Photographer mode - Automatic partial-phase image timing - Geolocation and manual coordinate entry - Audio and notification tests ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Total - 7/2/19; Chile, Argenti | $1.99 | one-time | | Total - 12/14/20; Chile, Argen | $1.99 | one-time | | Total – 12/4/21; Antarctica | $1.99 | one-time | | Hybrid – 4/20/23; Australia | $1.99 | one-time | | Total – 4/8/24; USA, Mexico | $1.99 | one-time | | Solar Eclipse Timer | $1.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of Solar Eclipse Timer? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Accurate timing and announcements - 👍 Enhanced eclipse viewing experience - 🎉 Worked flawlessly for 2017 and 2024 eclipses - 💡 Helpful for photographers and non-photographers - 🔊 Useful audio cues and prompts **Cons** - 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches - 🔍 Confusing or cluttered user interface - 🔋 Audio prompts not working in some cases - 🗺️ Inaccurate location detection or totality information **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashing when loading timing data - Notifications not working when camera is in use - Incorrect contact times displayed for some locations **Most requested features** - Customizable reminders or timers - Automatic time zone and location updates - Lunar eclipse support - Improved onboarding and tutorial - Countdown timer with graphical depiction ## Recent user reviews (10 of 158) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Amazing in USA’24, but will it be available for Spain’26 ? *2026-03-10, version 4.0.31* A little late, but… Simply put, this app single handily made my (and the fine folks in Detroit, TX) experience possible for the 2024 eclipse. I thank Dustin at “SmarterEveryday” for turning me on to this. Everyone around me thought I was some kind of genius/scientist as I was calling out the phases of the eclipse. I think the most important feature was telling everyone when when to dawn their glasses again (after the 4m 15s of totality). With that being said, I will be in Spain this summer. Will the app be updated to service it? To everyone else. If you’re passionate in science, willing to learn the app (it’s not hard), this app is great. I knew I was in safe hands once the ‘call outs’ started. With the potential 1m 40s I’m going to experience this year, I’d like to feel that safe again. ### 5/5 — Worked well for the April 2024 total solar eclipse *2025-06-09, version 4.0.31* The UI is a bit barebones, but it gets the job done. The down-to-the second timing, when combined with custom limb correction, allowed me to capture Bailey’s beads at C2 and C3. 10/10 would use again. ### 5/5 — Enhanced our eclipse experiences. *2025-04-08, version 4.0.31* If you take the time to familiarize yourself with the app before the event it enhances your enjoyment of an eclipse. It lets you know when it’s safe to remove protective eyewear and reminds you to observe your surroundings and the horizon. I would recommend turning off notifications after an event is over. I was in a slight panic today when my app started to give instructions. I realized the eclipse I purchased for last year must have had only the month and day in its programing so I assume it will be giving me instructions every April 8th. It did bring back welcome memories. ### 5/5 — Worked Great !!!! *2025-04-08, version 4.0.31* Used this for the 2024 USA Eclipse. Everything worked great. One year later, it’s alerting me again, so maybe it can’t tell what year it is. Not a big deal, gave me a reminder of what I was doing at this exact time last year. I do recommend, if you’re where it will be useful to observe an eclipse. ### 4/5 — Great app, but… *2025-04-08, version 4.0.31* I love the app!! But for a 2024 Eclipse… the app should NOT have woken up today in 2025 with April 8 2024 alerts!! ### 5/5 — Partial eclipse March 29 *2025-03-24, version 4.0.31* Is there a data set available for download for the partial eclipse on Saturday March 29 2025? I just went on the app to prepare and could not find it. Please advise. The app was amazing and extremely accurate for last year’s total eclipse. ### 5/5 — Esssential for solar eclipse chasers! *2024-08-04, version 4.0.31* I've used the app twice, in 2017 and 2024, and both times it worked perfectly. Whether you're planning to photograph the eclipse or just observe it, this app is essential. In the heat of the moment, it's so helpful to hear the voice prompts telling you what to look for, and when totality begins and ends. Thanks for a gret app! ### 4/5 — Used for 2017 & 2024 US total solar eclipses *2024-05-02, version 4.0.31* I used this app for both the 2017 and 2024 US total solar eclipses. It was helpful for the 2017 eclipse as I did not have eclipse glasses. Using location tracking, the timing of the app was perfect for the start of both total solar eclipses. However, both times it was late for the end of the total solar eclipse. This is dangerous for anyone totally trusting the app who may not be aware that they need to look away or put their eclipse glasses back on as the total solar eclipse is ending and going on to partial solar eclipse. This is the only flaw in the app that I have found. ### 2/5 — Did not work for me *2024-04-28, version 4.0.31* Not sure why but the timing was way off for my location. I thought I set it up correctly and allowed location tracking like I was directed to. Maybe there was more I needed to do. If so seems like it would be more straightforward. Glad I only spent $1.99 on it because I didn’t get anything from it. I selected the 2024 eclipse but the timed announcements were way off. ### 5/5 — So handy! *2024-04-21, version 4.0.31* I saw this on a video I used to help my students understand the solar eclipse. I downloaded it and went through the recommended tutorial. As a result, I found it very easy to use. I paid the $1.99 for the specific solar eclipse. I wasn’t in the totality zone so I had to allow it to pinpoint my location. I had no trouble getting notifications or using it. It even helped me photograph at regular intervals. I could not have been happier with this app! ## Frequently asked questions about Solar Eclipse Timer ### What does the Solar Eclipse Timer app do? The app provides precise countdowns and spoken reminders for all phases of a solar eclipse. It helps users observe phenomena like shadow bands and know exactly when to remove solar filters. Photographers benefit from down-to-the-second precision for capturing partial-phase images before and after totality. ### How does the app work offline? Once unlocked with an in-app purchase, the app performs all geolocation and contact time calculations internally. This ensures it functions reliably even in areas with limited or no cell service, making it a dependable tool for remote eclipse viewing locations. ### How much does the Solar Eclipse Timer app cost? The app is free to try, allowing users to explore its features. To unlock the full functionality for specific eclipses, such as the 2026 event, there is a one-time in-app purchase of $1.99. ### Is the app compatible with my device? While specific compatibility details are not provided, the app is designed for mobile devices. It includes features like audio and notification tests to ensure that spoken timings and alerts are audible on your device. ### What are the main use cases for this app? The primary use case is to enhance the solar eclipse viewing experience by providing timely audio cues and countdowns. It's also invaluable for photographers who need precise timing for capturing sequences of partial-phase images and for managing camera settings during totality. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 5.0.14 — 2026-08-05 GPS coordinate validation improvements ### 5.0.12 — 2026-08-04 Minor audio improvements ### 5.0.11 — 2026-05-17 Provide helpful text to Saved Sites and Timer screens ### 5.0.10 — 2026-04-15 Added a "Buy" button to the home screen. ### 5.0.8 — 2026-03-18 The app is completely updated to time the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse for observers in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. ## Apps similar to Solar Eclipse Timer | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Timer Auto Camera - Set Second](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-auto-camera-set-second/id415294299) | 4.7 (1,020) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Massive Dev Chart Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/massive-dev-chart-timer/id402405770) | 3.7 (54) | $9.99 | Photo & Video | | [The Photographer's Ephemeris](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-photographers-ephemeris/id366195670) | 4.7 (1,553) | $9.99 | Photo & Video | | [Lumos: Sun and Moon Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lumos-sun-and-moon-tracker/id725106192) | 4.7 (3,646) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Sun Tracker AR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sun-tracker-ar/id1460472433) | 4.8 (1,045) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Sun Surveyor (Sun & Moon)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sun-surveyor-sun-and-moon/id525176875) | 4.8 (280) | $9.99 | Photo & Video | ## Related topics [eclipse timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eclipse-timer) · [solar eclipse timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/solar-eclipse-timer) · [eclipse advantage](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eclipse-advantage) · [my eclipse](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/my-eclipse) · [solar eclipse guide 2024](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/solar-eclipse-guide-2024) · [umbra eclipse](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/umbra-eclipse) · [dark mode eclipse](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dark-mode-eclipse) · [eclipse view](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eclipse-view) · [my eclipse broadband](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/my-eclipse-broadband) · [eclipse rocket](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eclipse-rocket) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-21.*