CLEVELAND — We know by now that in order to look directly at a solar eclipse, you need to wear ISO certified eye protection. But, what if you want to photograph or record the eclipse, to look at it later?
THE QUESTION
That’s what 3News viewer Tommy Pfister asked us about, with this question: Is it safe to take pictures of the eclipse with my smartphone camera?
THE SOURCES
To VERIFY the answer to Tommy’s question, we talked to:
- Cleveland’s NASA Glenn Research Center lead contract photographer Sara Lowthian-Hanna, and
- Great Lakes Science Center Community Engagement Coordinator and former NASA educator JonDarr Bradshaw
THE EXPLANATION
As NASA Glenn Research Center’s lead contract photographer Sara Lowthian-Hanna explains, “Just like your eyes, pointing your camera or your smartphone camera directly at the Sun could potentially cause damage to your camera.”
The damage could specifically impact the light sensors. To protect those, you can use a special-purpose solar filter made specially for your smartphone, or your camera.
Great Lakes Science Center’s JonDarr Bradshaw told us that "all of the professional photos and videos we see of eclipses are taken using this kind of special filter to protect that equipment."
Bradshaw added, "At the point of totality, when it’s safe to remove your solar glasses, then it’s safe to use your smartphone or camera for that roughly 3 minute period when the sun is completed blocked by the moon.”
But before that, leading up to totality, and immediately after totality is when damage can occur without the proper protection.
For this reason, Lowthian-Hanna tells us we have to remember to “put on eclipse glasses to protect your eyes when viewing and setting up your shot through the viewfinder of your camera.”
Otherwise, Bradshaw says, it would be no different than looking at the eclipse through a pair of binoculars or telescope, which would be harmful without protection.
THE ANSWER
So, we can VERIFY the answer to Tommy’s question, "Is it safe to take pictures of the eclipse with my smartphone camera?," is no.
You need to use the proper special-purpose solar filter on your camera. Otherwise, you’re taking a risk with your equipment.