Capturing the Solar Eclipse on your phone camera: Tips and precautions
solar eclipse on Saturday offers a unique opportunity for celestial enthusiasts to capture this rare event with their cellphone cameras. While it's a tempting prospect, there are several factors to consider when using your phone to document this extraordinary occurrence.
Limitations of Phone Cameras
While it's feasible to capture the solar eclipse on your cellphone, it's essential to acknowledge some limitations. According to Scott Fisher, an astronomy lecturer at the University of Oregon, the sun might not appear sufficiently large on your phone screen. Fisher explained, «If you take a picture of the sun with the cell phone, the sun is teeny tiny on your screen. It might only be a few pixels across.»
Photo vs. Video
Fisher also advised that capturing a still image of the eclipse might be more straightforward than recording a video, according to a report by the USA Today. Still images require less exposure time, reducing the risk of potential issues. When recording a video, consider using a tripod or stabilizing your phone against a steady object to minimize hand tremors.
Safety Precautions
Crucially, never look directly at the sun during an eclipse without appropriate eye protection. Solar radiation can cause severe damage to the retina. Conventional sunglasses do not offer sufficient protection, and experts from NASA stress the importance of using «safe solar viewers» that adhere to the ISO 12312-2 international standard. These viewers must meet specific criteria, such as limiting the transmission of sunlight to less than 0.00032%, remaining defect-free, covering both eyes, and providing manufacturer information and safety instructions.
Photographing the Eclipse with Your Phone
To safely photograph
