Can I watch the solar eclipse through my phone camera if I don’t have eclipse glasses? The safety risks explained

WITH eclipse glasses sold out across much of the country, the phone in your pocket may seem like an obvious solution – but you should exercise extreme caution. There are various factors that need to be taken into account to avoid damaging not only your phone, but also your eyesight. Looking at the eclipse through your phone can be dangerous Credit: Getty This Met Office shared a handy map showing what time maximum eclipse occurs around the UK Credit: Met Office Can you watch the eclipse through your phone screen? Watching a correctly-produced live stream (such as The Sun’s here) on your phone or TV, is completely safe – the filtering has already been done. But watching live through the camera on your phone poses various safety issues. Sign up for the Tech newsletter Thank you! According to Space.com: “It is possible that viewing the unfiltered Sun on your cellphone or tablet screen could damage your eyes if you stare at the screen long enough.” To avoid this, you can use a solar filter that covers your phone camera lens – this will also enable you to take photographs safely, without damaging your phone or your eyes. read more on the solar eclipse Alternatively, NASA has advised that you can use a certified pair of eclipse glasses, positioned securely over the camera lens. Ensure that any protective lenses or glasses are independently tested and shown to conform to ISO 12312-2, which covers non-magnifying products held in front of the eyes. At least 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon across the whole of the UK One of the most serious additional risks with trying to use your phone to take photos or view the eclipse is the possibility that you will accidentally look directly at the Sun. Viewing the eclipse with the naked eye can cause serious, permanent damage to your vision – so always face away from it, unless you have certified glasses carrying that ISO certification of 2312-2:2015. Most read in Tech Will the solar eclipse damange my phone camera? As well as protecting your health, taking these steps will avoid damage to your phone. Asked about the risks to phone cameras before the 2024 American eclipse, NASA said: “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 utilise the proper filters just like on any other camera.” When selecting glasses or lenses, beware of a printed ISO number alone, which proves nothing, and also phrases including “ISO certified” or “ISO approved”, which the American Astronomical Society says should not be used at all. Sunglasses won’t do the job either, no matter how dark or expensive. Check any viewer before use and bin it if it is scratched, punctured, torn, creased or loose in its mount. Put it on before looking up, and turn away from the Sun before taking it off. Comment now