The umbra is coming. Let’s make sure you’re ready for it!

A total solar eclipse is Earth’s most magnificent celestial spectacle, but capturing it—both in your memory and through your lens—requires more than just showing up.

"Eclipse Day, How to Observe and Photograph Any Total Solar Eclipse," in its second edition, is the definitive 488-page masterclass designed to benefit the casual observer or turn a casual observer into a seasoned eclipse chaser.

Do not fear that this book is like most astronomy books, which feel written for scientists. Eclipse Day was written for you. Using a unique organization and a friendly, conversational tone, this book takes the mystery out of the moon’s shadow and helps you enjoy the day. The first 28 chapters are organized by the progression of the eclipse. No other eclipse book uses this teaching method.

Imagine sitting down with a seasoned eclipse chaser for a deep dive discussion about the magic of eclipse day—that is exactly how this book feels. It's written in an easy-to-read, conversational style that feels less like a textbook and more like a shared adventure. It allows me to share 25 years of experience in eclipse investigation, including 6 total eclipses and 1 annular eclipse, and to be the developer of the world's most-used eclipse timer app, Solar Eclipse Timer.

Whether we are discussing unique eclipse phenomena, such as sharp shadows, pinhole projection, temperature changes, animal behavior, or shadow bands, the advice is based on the experience of six total solar eclipses. Learn the superficial observation techniques or delve into the scientific principles; you choose how deep you want to go.

When discussing eclipse photography, such as how to choose the right solar filter, capture the perfect diamond ring shot, Baily's bead sequence, or corona bracketing, the advice is clear, jargon-free, and practical. There are hundreds of photos, diagrams, and illustrations that show you exactly what to do, when to do it, and what to expect in three dedicated chapters on long focal length photography, wide angle photography, and videography.

The book gives specific details on what to expect, observe, and photograph for the next four total solar eclipses: 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2030. This book is a must-have if you live in Australia because your country is in the path of four of the next 10 eclipses, and I discuss some observation points in the book.

The second edition adds a chapter on the pros and cons of eclipse cruises, an updated chapter on photography mistakes to avoid, and a quick review of the upcoming solar eclipses.

The perfect companion to the book is The Solar Eclipse Timer App. To truly master the day, use Solar Eclipse Timer, the only "talking" eclipse app in the world. While the book prepares your mind, the app handles the pressure. It uses geolocation to calculate contact times for your exact position and literally talks you through the eclipse, giving you spoken reminders so you never miss an observing event, and precise timing and countdowns so you never miss a shot when photographing.

488 pages share the author's experiences with 6 total solar eclipses and 1 annular eclipse.

Hundreds of eclipse images with exposure settings.

Hundreds of illustrations, graphs, and dialogue boxes.

End of Chapter Take Away Points.

Dozens of YouTube video hyperlinks.