Mobile Cameras And Solar Eclipse: Safe Or Not?

The solar eclipse is a rare and exciting phenomenon, and it's only natural to want to capture it through photographs. However, it is essential to approach this with caution. Staring at the sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage, and the same goes for your cellphone camera. Experts warn that pointing your cellphone camera directly at the sun can potentially damage the image sensor. So, is it safe to watch a solar eclipse with a mobile camera?

Using a solar filter to protect your phone's camera

Using a solar filter is crucial to protect your phone's camera when attempting to capture a solar eclipse. The sun's rays can be extremely harmful to your phone's image sensor, potentially causing irreversible damage.

To safeguard your device, it is essential to invest in a specialised solar filter for your smartphone. These filters are designed to shield your phone's camera from harmful rays, allowing you to capture stunning images of the eclipse without risking damage. You can find solar filters for smartphones online, offered by various retailers and manufacturers.

When choosing a solar filter, look for one that is ISO-certified, specifically ISO 12312-2. This certification ensures that the filter meets the necessary safety standards. Additionally, opt for a filter that is slightly larger than your phone's lens for added protection. It is also important to keep the filter on at all times if you are in a location where the eclipse is only partially visible.

Some products offer universal designs that can fit various smartphone models, ensuring compatibility with your device. You can also find filters that come in packs, providing you with multiple options to capture the eclipse from different angles or devices.

Remember, it is crucial to prioritise safety when photographing a solar eclipse. Always follow the instructions provided with your solar filter and never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses.

The risks of looking at the sun through your phone screen

Looking directly at the sun can permanently damage your eyes, and the same is true when viewing an eclipse. What's less commonly known is that your phone camera can also be damaged by pointing it directly at the sun. This is true for any image sensor, including phone cameras, and can result in potentially catastrophic damage to the sensitive image sensor.

NASA warns that a "proper filter" must be used to protect your phone when photographing the sun. They suggest holding eclipse glasses in front of your phone's lens when taking photos of the sun. This is because the sun's rays are focused through the phone's lens onto the image sensor, which can get extremely hot and damage the sensor.

Google's Pixel camera team advises against pointing phone cameras at the sun for "extended periods of time with no filter". They stress that using a filter is best practice when photographing the sun at any point other than totality. During totality, when the moon fully blocks the sun, it is safe to remove filters as the sun's rays are temporarily blocked.

To avoid any damage to your smartphone camera, an ISO-certified filter (ISO 12312-2) is recommended. While it's not recommended to directly observe a solar eclipse through your phone's camera or screen without proper filters, you can use your phone to indirectly view or capture the eclipse safely. For example, you can create a pinhole projector using your phone and a piece of cardboard or paper to safely observe the eclipse. Alternatively, you can watch livestreams of solar eclipses online or use mobile apps that provide information about solar eclipses.

Using a pinhole projector to view the eclipse

It is unsafe to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. The same is true for your phone or camera. Looking at the sun without sufficient protection can permanently damage your eyes, and the sun can also damage the image sensors in cellphone cameras.

However, there are ways to safely view a solar eclipse with a pinhole projector. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create and use one:

Step 1: Gather Materials

You will need two pieces of white card stock, a pin, a paper clip, or a pencil, and a piece of aluminum foil.

Step 2: Cut a Hole

Cut a 1-inch to 2-inch square or rectangular hole in the middle of one of the pieces of card stock.

Step 3: Cover the Hole

Tape a piece of aluminum foil over the hole you just cut.

Step 4: Create a Pinhole

Flip over the piece of card stock and use your pin, paper clip, or pencil to poke a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil.

Step 5: Prepare the Projector

Place the second piece of card stock on the ground and hold the piece with the aluminum foil above it, ensuring the foil side is facing up.

Step 6: Position Yourself

Stand with your back to the sun, so the sunlight passes through the pinhole and projects an image of the sun onto the card stock below. Remember, do not look directly at the sun through the pinhole.

Step 7: Adjust Distance

To change the size of the projected image, move the piece of card stock with the aluminum foil closer or farther from the second piece on the ground.

Step 8: Enhance the Projection (Optional)

For a sharper projection, try placing the bottom piece of card stock in a shadowed area while you hold the other piece in direct sunlight.

Step 9: Experiment with Different Shapes (Optional)

For extra fun, poke multiple holes in the foil to create shapes, patterns, and designs. Each hole will project its own image of the sun, resulting in neat effects.

Step 10: Capture the Moment

Ask a friend to take photos of your designs, creating a unique art project that you can enjoy even after the eclipse has ended.

Remember, if you want to use your cellphone camera to photograph the solar eclipse directly, you must use a proper solar filter to protect your device and eyesight. Do not look at the sun through your cellphone or camera screen without the appropriate protective filter.

Photographing the human experience of the eclipse

Capturing the human experience of an eclipse can be a rewarding endeavour. Not only will it help you remember the event, but it can also increase your enjoyment of it. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, people who take photos of their experiences tend to enjoy them more than those who don't, as it increases their engagement with the experience.

So, how do you capture the human experience of an eclipse? NASA photographer Bill Ingalls recommends focusing on the people around you: "The real pictures are going to be of the people around you pointing, gawking, and watching... Those are going to be some great moments to capture to show the emotion of the whole thing."

• Be prepared: Know your camera settings and have a plan. Practice capturing fast-moving subjects to get ready for the quick transition from partial eclipse to totality.
• Use a tripod: This will help stabilise your camera and avoid blurry images, especially in low light conditions.
• Capture wide-angle shots: Include the people around you in your frame to show their reactions and emotions.
• Look for unique perspectives: Try capturing the eclipse's reflection in a pair of eclipse glasses, or focus on the ground or a tree leaf to show the changing light and shadows.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: Be aware of the people and environment around you, and don't get so caught up in capturing the perfect shot that you miss the experience itself.

Remember, while photographing the eclipse with your mobile phone can be safe if you use the correct filters, it's important to protect your eyes and your device. Always use eclipse glasses or a solar filter when viewing or photographing the eclipse, and never look directly at the sun without proper protection.

Using a tripod to stabilise your camera

When setting up your tripod, place it on level ground to avoid any unwanted movement. Look for flat and smooth surfaces, and test the tripod's stability by moving it around gently to see if it wobbles or leans. You can also use a level tool to ensure it is straight. If you are unable to find a completely level surface, you can use sandbags to weigh down the tripod's feet and improve stability. Additionally, make sure to lock the tripod legs at every joint to further stabilise your setup.

Another way to add stability to your tripod is by lowering its centre of gravity. This can be done by hanging a weight, such as your camera bag, from the central column. Some tripods have a hook at the base of the centre column, while others may have a D-ring where you can attach the bag. By lowering the centre of gravity, you reduce the tripod's susceptibility to vibrations, especially in windy conditions.

When adding weight to your tripod, it is important to first extend the thicker legs to their full length, and then adjust the smaller leg sections to your desired height. This ensures an even distribution of weight. Additionally, make sure all three legs of the tripod are firmly planted on the ground, and adjust their length individually to ensure the central column is vertical.

By following these tips, you can effectively use a tripod to stabilise your camera phone and capture stunning images of a solar eclipse. Remember to always use proper eye and lens protection when viewing or photographing a solar eclipse.

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