Snap safely.
Have you ever wondered if taking photos of a solar eclipse could damage your smartphone? Well, according to Nasa, the answer is a resounding yes.
In a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter), tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, also known professionally as MKBHD, expressed his curiosity about whether pointing a smartphone at a solar eclipse could impair the sensor. He contemplated conducting an experiment using a spare phone “in the name of science.”
Nasa responded with a cautionary message. They explained that pointing a smartphone directly at the sun during an eclipse could indeed damage the phone's sensor, similar to any other image sensor. This risk is especially heightened if using magnifying lens attachments.
To safely photograph a solar eclipse with your smartphone, Nasa recommends using eclipse glasses. Simply hold a pair of eclipse glasses in front of your phone's lenses to protect the sensor from potential damage caused by the sun's intense light.
For more photography tips and safety guidelines regarding eclipses, you can check out Nasa’s comprehensive guide here.
The next total solar eclipse will move across North America on April 8, 2024.