On April 8, 2024, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to witness the solar eclipse. It is a rare event that many will want to capture with their phones to document the occasion.
However, experts advise caution when using your phone to view or take photos of the solar eclipse. It is crucial to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
The eclipse will manifest as a partial solar eclipse, where the moon obstructs some of the sun's light, visible from coast to coast. Additionally, a total solar eclipse will be observable in the "path of totality," spanning across more than a dozen states from Texas to Maine.
"There is no safe time to look at the sun without protection, period," emphasized Douglas Goodwin, professor of media studies at Scripps College and an expert in computational photography. "Not a split second, not a half a second, not a quarter of a second. At no time should a kid, or an adult, be looking at the sun even as the sun is partially eclipsed. It's still unsafe."
The safest way to look at a partially eclipsed sun is with eclipse glasses that meet an international standard, ISO 12312-2, according to experts.
Can I take pictures of the solar eclipse with my cellphone?
Cellphone cameras should not be pointed directly at the sun, as it may damage the phone's sensor, experts say.
Smartphones were never designed for taking photos of the sun or the moon, according to specialists. Because standard lenses are very small, they aren't equipped with the resolution needed for the largest objects in the sky like the sun and moon.
"Cellphone cameras do not have the kind of protective filters needed for safe or successful solar photography," Goodwin explained.
Photographing the partial eclipse with a smartphone will likely not only damage the camera sensor but also result in an overexposed photo, experts warned.
"Smartphone cameras in 2024 have small sensors and lenses, making it challenging to capture detailed images of the eclipse itself," Goodwin said in an interview. "Taking photos of an eclipse is even harder than taking photos of the moon — it's small and dazzling!"
Can I look at the sun on my cellphone screen?
Pointing your cellphone at the sun is bad for the phone, but it also could be dangerous for your eyes if you look at the sun on your cellphone screen, experts say.
Except for the few moments of total eclipse, when the sun is completely obstructed, "viewing the sun with your unprotected eyes or through a cellphone screen is extremely dangerous," Bradford said, advising that all visual contact with the sun take place only through special solar eclipse glasses that meet international standards.
That international safety standard, which is set by the International Organization for Standardization, means the glasses reduce visible sunlight to a safe level and block ultraviolet and infrared radiation, according to the American Astronomical Society website.
Ultraviolet radiation can damage the eyes's cells, while heat from infrared radiation can cause thermal damage, according to the National Eye Institute.
What's the safest way of taking pictures of the eclipse?
The solar eclipse has various stages and effects, and some are safer to photograph than others.
"Mobile devices will be ideal for capturing the magic of the eclipse," stated Goodwin. This includes the unique effects of the changing light in our surroundings.
"Remember to keep your gaze low and peek under leafy trees to witness crescent-shaped reflections of the eclipsed sun on the ground," Goodwin advised. "Additionally, you'll be able to see how the peculiar lighting impacts both people and animals."
Goodwin also suggested that individuals within the eclipse's path keep an eye out for shadow bands, which are enigmatic gray undulations that move across the ground just before and after the total eclipse.
If you're interested in capturing the moment when the sun is partially obscured, Bradford recommended carrying an extra pair of solar eclipse glasses, cutting them, and attaching one of the filters over your phone's camera lens. If your smartphone has multiple lenses, ensure that all are covered.
For iPhone users, it's advised to deactivate the camera's macro mode when placing a filter in front of the lens.
"Avoid looking directly at the sun, even for a short period, while aiming your camera towards the sky," Bradford cautioned. "To zoom in on the eclipse beyond the capabilities of your camera's zoom, consider purchasing a clip-on zoom lens for your smartphone to capture more striking photos."
Is it Safe to Take Photos of the Sun During a Total Eclipse?
If you find yourself in the path of totality during a total eclipse, you have a unique opportunity to capture unfiltered photographs of the fully obstructed sun with your smartphone. According to experts, during the brief period of total eclipse, it is safe to look up and take photos without eye protection.
However, it is crucial to remember that this moment is fleeting. Once the moon starts to move away from the sun and sunlight returns, it is recommended to promptly put your eclipse glasses and camera filter back on to protect your eyes.
Some specialists caution against gazing at the sun even when it is fully obstructed due to the sudden reappearance of sunlight. The total eclipse typically lasts only 1 to 3 minutes depending on your location, and the brightness can return abruptly as the moon progresses.
According to an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA, even a few seconds of looking at the sun during an eclipse can result in temporary or permanent damage to your vision.
Photographing a partial eclipse without proper filters can lead to irreversible eye damage, such as blind spots, distorted vision, and reduced color perception, experts warn.
For those interested in capturing the total eclipse, experts suggest using your smartphone's HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Night modes to enhance your photos during the dimly lit moments. HDR combines different exposures to capture various levels of brightness, while Night mode utilizes image stacking to produce well-exposed photos in low-light conditions.
Experience the magic of capturing photos in near-total darkness with the iPhone's Wide and Ultra Wide cameras.
