Tips for Safely Recording and Photographing the Total Solar Eclipse in the U.S. with Your Cellphone
The highly anticipated total solar eclipse is just around the corner, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. This stunning phenomenon, set to occur on April 8, will be the first full eclipse in the U.S. since 2017. What makes this eclipse even more special is that it will have a larger diameter than the last one, as the moon will be a couple thousand miles closer to Earth, according to NASA. So, how can you capture this once-in-a-lifetime event safely and effectively with your cellphone? Here are some tips to ensure you get the best photos while protecting your device and eyesight.
The Right Solar Filter is Key
To safely photograph the solar eclipse, you’ll need a solar filter specifically designed for solar viewing. Carly Stocks, a Utah-based astronomical photographer, emphasizes the importance of using a filter larger than your cellphone lens and keeping it on at all times if you’re in an area where the eclipse is only partially visible. Stocks recommends purchasing a small 4” x 4” sheet of the Thousand Oaks solar filter for optimal protection.
Removing the Filter During Totality
If you’re lucky enough to be in a location where the total eclipse is visible, there will be a moment when you can remove the solar lens entirely and capture unfiltered images. “During totality, you can remove all filters,” Stocks advises. However, it’s important to note that totality only lasts for a brief period of two to four minutes.
Selfies and Solar Eclipses Don’t Mix
While it may be tempting to take a selfie with the solar eclipse in the background, it’s not recommended. Stocks explains that cellphone cameras have difficulty focusing on both the sun and the person taking the photo. Instead, she suggests taking separate photos of yourself and the sun and blending them together using editing software for a more professional result.
Avoid Using Eclipse Glasses as a Solar Lens
NASA strongly advises against using eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras. Instead, they recommend using a special solar protector and seeking guidance from an astronomy expert before attempting to capture the eclipse with your cellphone.
Where to View the Solar Eclipse
The total solar eclipse will cross North America, including Mexico and Canada. It will begin in the U.S. in Texas around 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at approximately 3:35 p.m. EDT. Several major cities, such as Dallas and Cleveland, will be in the direct line of darkness. The states where totality is expected to occur on April 8 include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and small parts of Michigan and Tennessee.
Tips for Capturing the Best Eclipse Photos
For those looking to capture the best eclipse content, Stocks has some valuable advice. She suggests finding a flat area where you can witness a 360-degree sunset and taking panoramic pictures or videos of the horizon. Additionally, she recommends experimenting with solar eclipse projections, such as capturing the eclipse’s reflection on a tree leaf, the ground, or the people around you. It’s important to be prepared because the eclipse will be over in a flash. Using a tripod can also help minimize shakiness when the time comes to take the perfect shot.
Creating Your Own Eclipse Viewing Projector
If you prefer to view the eclipse without your cellphone camera, you can create a do-it-yourself eclipse viewer using simple materials. All you need is a cardboard box, a white sheet of paper, tape, scissors, and a piece of aluminum foil. By following these steps, you can safely project a crescent sun onto the white sheet of paper inside the box and observe the eclipse without directly looking at the sun.
As the total solar eclipse approaches, make sure you’re prepared to capture this extraordinary event safely and effectively with your cellphone. Remember to use the appropriate solar filter, follow expert advice, and practice your photography skills beforehand. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to document this once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle.
