NASA has issued a warning about smartphones and the solar eclipse
User @MKBHD asked on social network X if it was possible to film the solar eclipse on a smartphone and NASA representatives gave an answer to this question.
Here's What We Know
A solar eclipse is expected at 2:07 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Monday, April 8, when the Moon will pass in front of the Sun. This event will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada.
At 3:20 p.m. EST, the total eclipse will begin when the Sun will be completely covered by the Moon. This will last approximately 3 minutes and 38 seconds and will be the safest time to observe the phenomenon. At 4:33 p.m. EST, the Moon will pass the Sun, completing the event.
NASA strongly advises against using smartphones to take photos of the eclipse. According to NASA officials, if you point your camera at the Sun during the eclipse, you could damage some components inside your phone. This is especially dangerous if you use any lenses to zoom in on your phone. You'll need to use the appropriate filters just like you would on any other camera. Best practice would be to hold sunglasses in front of your phone's lenses when photographing the Sun at any time other than a total eclipse.
We asked our @NASAHQPhoto team, and the answer is yes, the phone sensor could be damaged just like any other image sensor if it's pointed directly at the Sun. This is especially true if you're using any sort of magnifying lens attachment on the phone. You would need to utilize...
- NASA (@NASA) April 4, 2024
NASA recommends focusing on taking pictures of the landscape in front of you and how it's affected by the eclipse, as well as using the 5 tips for shooting a solar eclipse.
