A Step-by-Step Guide to Photographing the Solar Eclipse with Smart Technology

How to capture solar eclipse on March 29 by pairing smartphones with smart telescopes

On March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the northeastern US, Canada, and Europe. The moon will partially cover the sun, with up to 50% visibility in certain regions. Modern smart telescopes like the Seestar S30 offer easy ways to capture high-quality images using smartphones, making them perfect for astrophotographers and skywatchers alike.

Partial solar eclipse on March 29: Check time and locations

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers only part of the sun, forming a crescent-shaped solar disk. Unlike a total eclipse, the sun’s corona won’t be visible, but the event will still be striking for viewers.

Partial solar eclipse timing and visibility

• New York City, USA
  Eclipse Begins: 5:58 AM
  Maximum Eclipse: 6:43 AM
  Eclipse Ends: 7:30 AM
• Toronto, Canada
  Eclipse Begins: 6:02 AM
  Maximum Eclipse: 6:47 AM
  Eclipse Ends: 7:35 AM
• London, UK
  Eclipse Begins: 10:10 AM
  Maximum Eclipse: 11:05 AM
  Eclipse Ends: 12:00 PM
• Reykjavik, Iceland
  Eclipse Begins: 8:30 AM
  Maximum Eclipse: 9:15 AM
  Eclipse Ends: 10:10 AM

(Times may vary slightly depending on location)

How much of the sun will be covered

• New York City: ~35% coverage
• Toronto: ~40% coverage
• London: ~45% coverage
• Reykjavik: ~50% coverage

Though it’s not a total eclipse, it will still be an awe-inspiring sight for all observers.

How to pair a smartphone with a smart telescope for solar eclipse photography

To capture the 2025 eclipse, follow these simple steps to connect your smartphone with a smart telescope:

1. Select a smart telescope with smartphone connectivity
   • The Seestar S30 is highly recommended for eclipse photography due to its built-in solar tracking and smartphone compatibility.
2. Install the telescope’s companion App
   • Download the Seestar App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for full control.
3. Connect your smartphone to the telescope
   • Power on the telescope and set it on a stable surface.
   • Open your phone’s WiFi settings and connect to the telescope’s network.
   • Launch the Seestar App and follow the on-screen calibration steps.
4. Attach a solar filter for safe viewing
   • Always protect both your eyes and the telescope by attaching a solar filter. The Seestar S30 has a built-in solar filter for safe sun capturing.
5. Select the eclipse as your imaging target
   • Open the app and switch to Solar Mode. The telescope will automatically track the sun.
   • Adjust exposure, brightness, and focus settings for clearer images.
6. Capture and save high-resolution images
   • Once tracking is set, use the app’s capture button to take time-lapse sequences or single shots. The app enhances the images for better clarity.

Why use a smart telescope for the solar eclipse March 29, 2025

Traditional telescopes require manual tracking and extensive setup. Smart telescopes simplify the process by providing:

• Automated sun tracking: The telescope will automatically track the sun without manual adjustments.
• Smartphone control: Directly adjust focus, exposure, and brightness from your phone.
• Real-time image processing: Many smart telescopes improve images by reducing noise and enhancing clarity automatically.
• Portability: Smart telescopes like the Seestar S30 are lightweight and easy to carry, unlike bulky traditional ones.

Optimising smartphone-telescope imaging for the solar eclipse

1. Use time-lapse mode for continuous eclipse coverage
   • Most smart telescope apps allow for time-lapse photography, capturing the entire eclipse progression.
2. Enable image stacking for enhanced detail
   • Stacking algorithms combine multiple exposures to reduce noise and improve clarity.
3. Adjust exposure settings
   • For optimal eclipse images, manually adjust:
     • ISO: Set it between 100-200 for the right brightness.
     • Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to capture clear details.
     • Focus: Adjust for the sharpest edges of the sun and moon.
4. Use a tripod for additional stability
   • While smart telescopes have built-in stabilization, mounting your smartphone on a tripod will minimize shake and improve sharpness.

Why smart telescopes are the future of solar eclipse photography

1. Eliminates the complexity of manual setup
   • Traditional telescopes need extensive calibration and tracking, whereas smart telescopes do all the work automatically.
2. Portable and travel-friendly
   • Smart telescopes are lightweight and easy to transport, unlike heavy traditional ones.
3. Seamless smartphone integration
   • With mobile app control, users can instantly capture and share their astrophotography on social media.
4. Versatile for other astrophotography
   • Smart telescopes are useful for capturing:
     • Deep-space objects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
     • Lunar and planetary details.
     • Wildlife and nature photography with a wide-angle lens.