Q&A on the News

I have my safety glasses for watching the eclipse. Can I get a better view with the SkyView app on my iPad? Will it damage the iPad if it is in sight of the eclipse? —Kathy McDonough, Peachtree Corners

A: The glasses are all you need to watch the partial phases of the eclipse from Atlanta, Larry Marschall, deputy press officer for the American Astronomical Society, told Q&A on the News.

“Using an electronic camera or a telescope is not recommended, unless you use special filters in front of the lens,” he wrote.

If not, you run the risk of burning out the sensor, he added. He said in particular, SkyView is an app for identifying things in the sky, not for producing images of them. Using the app would just tell you that you are pointing the iPad at the sun and the moon at the time of the eclipse.

Q: What happened to Nathaniel and Latasha Smith after they turned themselves in for an attack on roadside food stand owners? —H. P. Camp, Cedartown

A: The two are being held in the Appling County Detention Center, Allison Flory, administrative assistant at the Appling County Sheriff ’s Office, told Q&A on the News.

The Glynn County District Attorney’s office, which also oversees Appling, Camden, Jeff Davis and Wayne counties, does not comment on active and ongoing cases, said office administrator Mark Spaulding.

The AJC reported previously that Nathaniel and Latasha Smith were arrested July 5 after turning themselves in for allegedly assaulting food stand owner Jeanette Norris and her 15-year-old daughter at Norris’ Qwik Chick establishment in Appling County June 22.

Fast Copy News Service wrote this column; Joe Youorski contributed. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).