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

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

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 28, 2025, 14:53 IST

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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, perfect for both astrophotographers and skywatchers.

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 United States, Canada, and Europe. This celestial event will occur when the moon partially obscures the sun, creating a dramatic visual effect in the sky. While a total solar eclipse will not occur, a significant portion of the sun will be covered, making it an exciting opportunity for astrophotographers and skywatchers.
With advancements in technology, smart telescopes now allow anyone to capture high-quality images of the eclipse with minimal effort. By pairing a smart telescope—such as the Seestar S30—with a smartphone, users can automatically track the eclipse, adjust image settings, and capture breathtaking photos. Here are detailed insights into the eclipse timeline, best viewing locations, and step-by-step instructions for using a smart telescope with a smartphone to capture the event.

Partial solar eclipse on March 29: Check time and locations

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers only a portion of the sun, creating a crescent-shaped solar disk. Unlike a total eclipse, the sun’s corona will not be visible, but the event will still be spectacular for observers.

Partial solar eclipse timing and visibility

The eclipse will be visible across the northeastern US, parts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and portions of northern Europe.

Solar eclipse major locations and timings (EDT - Eastern Daylight Time)

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

(Times may vary slightly depending on location)

How much of the sun will be covered

The percentage of the sun covered by the moon will vary by location:

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

Although not a total eclipse, the partial eclipse will still be a remarkable event for both casual observers and astrophotographers.

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

To capture the 2025 eclipse, follow these steps to connect your smartphone to 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

Each smart telescope has a dedicated app that allows full control. Download the Seestar App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

3. Connect your smartphone to the telescope

Power on the telescope and place it on a stable surface.
Open your phone’s WiFi settings and connect to the telescope’s network.
Launch the Seestar App and follow on-screen instructions for calibration.

4. Attach a solar filter for safe viewing

To protect both the telescope and your eyes, attach a solar filter over the lens. The Seestar S30 includes a built-in solar filter specifically for capturing the sun.

5. Select the cclipse as your imaging target

Open the Seestar App and switch to Solar Mode.
The telescope will automatically locate and track the sun.
Adjust exposure, brightness, and focus settings for optimal image clarity.

6. Capture and save high-resolution images

Once tracking is active, use the app’s capture button to take time-lapse sequences or single shots. The app will automatically process images for enhanced clarity.

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

Traditional telescopes require manual tracking and extensive setup. However, smart telescopes eliminate these challenges by offering:

Automated sun tracking – No need for manual adjustments; the telescope automatically follows the sun.
Smartphone control – Users can adjust focus, exposure, and brightness directly from their phone.
Real-time image processing – Many smart telescopes automatically enhance images, reducing noise and improving clarity.
Portability – Unlike bulky traditional telescopes, smart telescopes like the Seestar S30 are lightweight and easy to carry.

Optimising smartphone-telescope imaging for the solar eclipse

1. Use time-lapse mode for continuous eclipse coverage

Most smart telescope apps allow time-lapse photography, capturing the eclipse’s entire progression.

2. Enable image stacking for enhanced detail

Stacking algorithms combine multiple exposures to reduce noise and improve clarity.

3. Adjust exposure settings

For the best eclipse images, manually adjust:
- ISO: Keep it between 100-200 for optimal brightness.
- Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to capture sharp details.
- Focus: Adjust manually for the sharpest edges on the sun and moon.

4. Use a tripod for additional stability

While smart telescopes have built-in stabilization, mounting your smartphone on a tripod can help reduce shake and enhance sharpness.

Why smart telescopes are the future of solar eclipse photography

1. Eliminates the complexity of manual setup

Traditional telescopes require extensive calibration and tracking, while smart telescopes handle everything automatically.

2. Portable and travel-friendly

Unlike traditional telescopes, smart telescopes are lightweight and easy to transport.

3. Seamless smartphone integration

With mobile app control, users can instantly capture and share astrophotography on social media.

4. Versatile for other astrophotography

Beyond eclipses, smart telescopes can capture:
- Deep-space objects (nebulae, galaxies, star clusters)
- Lunar and planetary details
- Wildlife and nature photography (with a wide-angle lens)

About the Author

TOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

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