Time to ‘Solar-brate’: UScellular shares tech tips to capture the eclipse

How do you organize a solar eclipse party? You have to “planet” of course! On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross over North America, with 13 states from Texas to Maine directly in the path of totality. The next total solar eclipse from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

As we prepare to witness this rare celestial phenomenon, it’s important to know how to capture footage of the solar eclipse safely. According to NASA, except during the brief period when the moon completely blocks the sun’s face, it is not safe to look at the sun without specialized eye protection or a special-purpose solar filter.

UScellular will be offering free eclipse sunglasses on April 6-7, while supplies last, at the following UScellular locations.

·       UScellular in Presque Isle, 733 Main Street

·       UScellular in Ellsworth, 225 High Street

·       UScellular in Augusta, 1 Stephen King Drive

·       Atlantic Wireless in Augusta, 5 Senator Way

·       UScellular in Waterville, 18 Waterville Commons

·       Pine Tree Cellular in Waterville, 39 Silver Street

·       UScellular in Bangor, 877 Stillwater Avenue

·       Community Cellular in Bangor, 627 Broadway

·       UScellular in Farmington, 646 Wilton Road

·       Pine Tree Cellular in Farmington, 191 Main Street

·       UScellular in Auburn, 730 Center Street

·       UScellular in South Paris, 156 B Main Street

·       Community Cellular in Dover-Foxcroft, 16 Summer Street

·       Airtime Cellular in Lewiston, 806 Sabattus Street

“Whether it’s a solar eclipse, meteor shower or any other celestial event, we want everyone to have the best possible viewing experience,” said Brandi McCune, director of sales and operations for UScellular in New England. “By practicing sound safety measures and following a few tips, you can fully immerse yourself in a rare experience while also creating lasting memories to share with friends and family for years to come.”

Whether you are in the eclipse’s path of totality or not, a smartphone can help you capture images and videos of this unique occasion while remaining safe. 

UScellular offers the following tips to help you make memories for the 2024 total solar eclipse: 

·       Glasses on: Always make sure to wear your protective glasses when looking up to take photos or videos of the solar eclipse. 

·       No flashing. Using a camera flash can ruin the dark adaptation of people’s eyes, so remember to turn it off before snapping photos – everyone around you will be thankful that you did.

·       App way to capture It. Apps like Eclipse Guide and Solar Snap allow you to find the best eclipse observation spots and safely take amazing photos. Additionally, try customizing a few settings on your smartphone’s camera. By practicing during a full moon, you can create and save settings on your smartphone so that you’re ready for the big day. And avoid zooming into the eclipse, as it will give you a pixelated, enlarged image that will not show much detail.

·       Charging party. If you’re traveling to catch the moment or attending a viewing party, make sure your device has enough juice. The FUEL Wireless Battery Pack allows you to ditch charging cables and quickly recharge your smartphone’s battery while on-the-go. Once you get to your viewing spot, why not turn it into a party with JBL Party Box so you can listen to your favorite tunes as you scan the sky.

·       Connect with Others. Once you’ve finished snapping footage of the eclipse, put your phone in US Mode and take in the moment with nearby family, friends or fellow eclipse enthusiasts. 

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $23 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.