Protect Your Phone While Photographing the Eclipse: Essential Tip to Avoid Damage

Before you whip out your phone to take photos or videos of the eclipse, you need this one essential tip to avoid damaging your phone.

A Camera in All Our Pockets

In the modern age of technology, most of us carry around a pretty impressive camera right in our pockets. Our cellphones have put the power of photography right at our fingertips so we can capture all of the meaningful moments (and meals) in our lives.

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April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

On April; 8, 2024, many of us across Indiana, and the country, will experience one of those meaningful moments as the moon passes between the Earth and sun creating a total solar eclipse. While you may find yourself reaching for your phone to capture this once in a lifetime celestial event, you will want to make sure that you don't end up ruining the camera on your phone.

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Photographing the Eclipse Poses Risk of Damaging Your Phone

According to Space.com, photographing the sun, even during the eclipse could put you at risk of damaging the camera on your phone. Citing a representative from the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force, Space.com says the sun could potentially burn the pixels of your screen depending on what device you use and the duration of time the camera remains focused on the sun.

So How Do You Photograph the Eclipse and Protect Your Phone?

If you still want to attempt to capture photos or videos of the solar eclipse with your smartphone, you have a couple of options. The first is to purchase a special solar filter. These can be found online for around $10. Your other option is to use one half of a pair of eclipse viewing glasses to DIY a solar filter for your phone camera. Eclipse viewing glasses can be purchased inexpensively and in some cases, you may even be able to get them for free.

READ MORE: Indiana Officials Advise Eclipse Travelers to "Arrive Early - Leave Late"

If You Uses Eclipse Glasses - Get Two Pair

If you plan to go the DIY route and use one of the filter lenses from a pair of eclipse viewing glasses, make sure you have a second pair of eclipse glasses for your eyes. You don't want to accidentally look directly at the sun with your naked eye while attempting to capture your photos. The only time that it is safe to view or photograph the eclipse without a solar filter is inside the window of totality.

Camera Settings You Should Use to Photograph the Eclipse

When it comes to taking photos of the solar eclipse, NASA suggests that you use a tripod to have best chance at capturing a quality image or video. When it comes to camera settings on your phone, you will likely want to switch over to "manual" or "pro" mode, if you have the option. This will allow you to control the exposure, shutter speed, etc. They recommend that you practice with your camera in the days leading up to the eclipse by photographing the moon. NASA also points out that using digital zoom will not result in a quality photo, They recommend purchasing a lens attachment. To learn more, see NASA's eclipse photography guide.