Smart phones and the Eclipse: A how-To (and how-not-to) guide

Brody Wooddell
·3 min read

TAMPA (BLOOM) – Mark your calendars, folks! This Monday, April 8, we’re all about to become amateur astronomers, whether we like it or not. The reason? A total solar eclipse is hitting the skies, and it’s not coming back until August 2044. So, you bet everyone’s itching to capture this cosmic spectacle. But hold your horses—and your phones! Before you point that smartphone skyward, there’s something you should know.

A Search Frenzy Unleashed

The buzz is real. According to the digital gurus at SlashGear, there’s been a jaw-dropping 700% spike in searches for “Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone” in just a week. And if you’re wondering about the safety of such an endeavor, you’re not alone—searches for “Is it safe to take a photo of the solar eclipse” have also shot up by 300%. With camera stores suddenly on everyone’s radar (hello, 250% increase in searches!), it’s clear we’re all desperate for that perfect shot. But is it worth it?

Your Phone’s Not Sunproof, FYI

Presentation of the new year 2024 on the theme of astronomy, with a total eclipse of the sun.
Presentation of the new year 2024 on the theme of astronomy, with a total eclipse of the sun.

Post-2017 eclipse, the camera rental world was a graveyard of damaged dreams—and lenses. Today’s smartphones, with their ever-expanding lenses, are even more at risk. Experts from SlashGear drop a hard truth: trying to snag that eclipse pic could fry your precious device. Imagine coughing up over a grand for a phone that decides to retire after a two-minute sunbath. Ouch. Plus, there’s the matter of potentially damaging your eyes. Not cool.

Safeguard Your Snaps (And Your Eyes)

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) comes to the rescue with advice on keeping your phone’s camera—and your peepers—safe. The magic word? Filters. ISO-certified filters, to be exact. These nifty gadgets are your smartphone camera’s best friend against solar damage. Remember, it’s ISO 12312-2 or bust when it comes to buying eclipse glasses or camera filters.

Where to Shop for Solar Shields

Don’t fall for the DIY trap; your device deserves better. Stick to reputable sources for your solar eclipse camera filters. Here are a few AAS-recommended vendors to get you started:

  • Rainbow Symphony

  • DayStar Filters

  • Thousand Oaks Optical

  • American Paper Optics

  • Halo Eclipse Spectacles

  • Grafix Plastics

And a pro tip from Professor Chris Flook: if you’re filter-less, improvise with eclipse glasses taped over your phone’s lens. It’s a temporary fix, but it beats a fried camera.

Last-Minute Lifesavers

Caught unprepared? Local camera stores might still have what you need. And don’t forget, during the totality phase of the eclipse, feel free to ditch the filter for an unobstructed, breathtaking view.

Capturing the eclipse with your smartphone isn’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of prep. Protect your eyes, shield your phone, and you’re all set to snap away. Who knows, you might just get a shot that’s out of this world. Or at least one that won’t send your phone to an early grave. Happy eclipse hunting!

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