Maximizing Your Solar Eclipse Experience: Finding the Best Viewing Locations
Next August 12, I’ll find myself in Madrid during an astronomical event that many will be eagerly anticipating: the solar eclipse taking place at around 8:30 p.m. Unfortunately, Madrid isn’t the best viewing spot for this celestial phenomenon. To truly enjoy the eclipse with my family, we’re looking for a location where we can experience it fully and for as long as possible—without straying too far from home.
The Search for Optimal Viewing
There are several tools available from organizations like the National Geographic Institute that describe what the eclipse will look like from various locations. However, I’m interested in a tool that helps determine the best location based on distance and travel time. Realizing the need for such an application led me to ponder the idea of creating my own.
Creating My AI-Powered App
Recent advancements in AI technologies—like Claude Code, Codex, Antigravity, and OpenCode—encouraged me to explore the feasibility of developing this tool. I started by using ChatGPT to evaluate whether it was possible to identify ideal viewing locations for the eclipse based on real-time data about distances and travel times.
Gathering Essential Data
After a detailed discussion with the AI model, I received a comprehensive executive summary. It highlighted several viable data sources, such as the National Observatory and astronomical APIs like OPALE. For optimal routing, it recommended using OSRM, which is an excellent open-source platform for navigation purposes.
The Development Process
Equipped with this information, I began developing the application using AI platforms, particularly testing the GLM-5.2 model from Z.ai. I created a project directory on my computer, launched the AI agent, and relayed my previous conversation with ChatGPT, along with additional guidelines for planning the application.
Initial Results and Refinements
After 42 minutes of AI-powered creation, the application was up and running. It displayed an appealing interface, but a few issues arose regarding distance calculations for selected viewing locations from Madrid. For instance, options given were much farther away than I had anticipated. A collaborative “chat” with the AI fixed these discrepancies, allowing for better recommendations based on factors such as highway access and duration of eclipse totality.
Enhancements and User Experience
As I refined the recommendations, the AI suggested more features, including a visualization of the eclipse’s totality strips and a user-friendly route display. This resulted in an intuitive interface, enabling users to see the best locations to view the eclipse based on their departure point.
Final Touches and Launch
After successfully implementing these features and ensuring that the code was efficient and secure, I published the project on GitHub, inviting others to explore and modify it. I also launched the application on a subdomain, making it publicly available for anyone interested in planning their eclipse viewing experience.
Your Eclipse Adventure Awaits
While my application may not be perfect, it serves as an illustration of how easy it has become to turn an idea into a functional app thanks to modern technology. Whether you’re planning to view the eclipse from Madrid or another location, I hope this guide helps maximize your experience. Don’t miss out on the solar eclipse this August—embrace the adventure!