Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure

Become a Space Photographer

Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure is an educational photography game where you help a friendly space traveler take pictures of the Sun and different objects passing in front of it.

The Traveler comes to Earth to learn about solar eclipses. Your job is to use a special camera to capture interesting moments in the sky.

You can photograph planets, spacecraft, birds, and other objects as they cross the Sun. Some objects move quickly, so you need to pay attention and take your pictures at the right moment.

Each game lasts three minutes. During that time, you can collect photographs and discover more about the Sun and solar eclipses.

Discover How Solar Eclipses Work

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun.

The Moon blocks some or all of the Sun's light, creating a shadow on Earth.

Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure introduces three types of solar eclipses.

During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only part of the Sun.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon appears smaller than the Sun. This leaves a bright ring of sunlight around the Moon.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the bright face of the Sun. You may even see the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona.

The game gives you a chance to photograph these events without needing a real telescope.

Take Pictures of Objects Crossing the Sun

While watching the Sun, you will notice different objects moving across the screen.

Some may be planets or spacecraft. Others include hot air balloons, birds, and butterflies.

You need to move your camera toward an object and take a picture before it disappears.

Smaller objects can be difficult to see, so the camera includes a zoom feature.

The game also provides different camera filters that change how the Sun looks in your photographs.

How to Play Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure

Move your mouse to position the camera and center the object you want to photograph.

Press Spacebar to take a picture.

Use W and S or your mouse's scroll wheel to zoom in and out.

Press A and D to change the camera filter.

Try capturing different objects before the three-minute timer runs out.

Create Your Own Space Postcards

After the photography session ends, you can review the pictures you capture.

The game also shares information about the objects appearing in your photographs.

Choose your favorite pictures and turn them into colorful postcards. You can decorate them with stickers and save your creations.

Snap It! An Eclipse Photo Adventure combines photography with space science. It helps children understand eclipses, recognize objects in the sky, and learn why some objects appear larger or smaller than others.