The total solar eclipse in April will be an unparalleled event. This is what you should consider to take the best photo even without being a professional.
The total solar eclipse on April 8 is a unique event. The Moon will completely cover the figure of the Sun and completely darken some regions for a few minutes. Additionally, during the conjunction, the celestial body 12/Pons-Brooks, known as comet “Diablo,” may be visible.
On its own, the frozen rock returns to Earth for only a few months every 70 years. The last time anyone saw it in the sky was in 1954 and the next visit is scheduled for 2094. It will take even longer for the comet to coincide with a total solar eclipse. It is not an event that one wants to miss or preserve with a smartphone photo.
A total eclipse like the one in April poses extra complications for enthusiasts of astronomical photography or selfies in general. However, it is possible to achieve a good image to share on social networks if some fundamental considerations are taken for both protection and light exposure.
Yes, the smartphone sensor is in danger
Safety is the most important thing during a solar eclipse. A simple glance at the event without protection can cause irreversible retinal burns. The same can happen to the sensor of a smartphone. Professional photographers have documented cases in which a lens can set a camera's sensors on fire by pointing it directly at the Sun. To protect people's eyes, there are special lenses with ISO 12312-2 certification. In the case of electronic devices, there are sunscreens.
Most of the spectacular solar eclipse photographs found on the Internet were taken with professional cameras or telescopes equipped with sophisticated solar filters. A filter of this nature is not the same as polarized glass, like those found in summer lenses. The former stop ultraviolet, infrared and visible light, reducing it by up to 0.003%, while tinted glass, even in its most professional version, allows 1% of the luminosity to pass through.
For any photography that involves looking directly at the Sun for an extended period, it is essential to use a specialized solar filter. If you do not have one or are not sure of its quality, it is best to refrain from pointing it at the star, as you run the risk of damaging the phone and endangering your eyesight.
Photography depends on the type of eclipse
Not all solar eclipses are the same. Depending on the position of the Moon, the Earth will receive more or less direct light, forcing the photographer to adjust his tools. In the case of an annular conjunction, such as the one that took place on October 14, 2023, the focus was on "the ring of fire", so the use of a solar filter and tripod were mandatory.
On the other hand, the eclipse on April 8 will be total, which means that at its maximum point there will be no direct rays from the Sun. Instead, you will be able to observe the solar corona, which is millions of times fainter than the visible disk . This four-minute-long moment is known as “totality.” It will be like a 240-second night with a strange flower of light in the sky. NASA clarifies that during totality it is safe to look in the direction of the Sun. The viewer will continue to perceive the position of the star, but instead they will only see a white halo reminiscent of a sunflower.
Until the moment of totality arrives, pointing directly at the Sun is dangerous, regardless of its degree of occultation. If an enthusiast wants to document the evolution of the eclipse, he should use a filter from the beginning and remove it when the climax arrives. After that moment, he must reapply the appropriate protection.
What is the best way to photograph the total solar eclipse?
Taking a photograph of a total eclipse is similar to capturing an object in a night landscape without artificial light. Therefore, photography enthusiasts should follow the following general guidelines:
Avoid using digital zoom: On most phones, the zoom function does not zoom in on objects, but simply enlarges the pixels of the original photo. Unless the device has a specialized optical lens, the image will not gain more detail, but will appear blurrier.
Use a stabilizer if you are using a telephoto: Involuntary hand movement is the main enemy of long-distance photography in dark environments.
Increase exposure time: Since lighting conditions are poor, phones need to collect information for longer. Don't rely on quick catches; night mode is still the best option.
Disable autofocus: Due to the In extreme lighting conditions, your phone may have difficulty focusing on the eclipse scene. To avoid frustration, turn off the autofocus function.
Look for the perfect setting: Everyone knows what a solar eclipse looks like, but only a viewer knows their region and its best landscapes. Photography companies recommend finding the ideal close-up to help tell the story of the eclipse. The entirety will be better appreciated if you choose a setting with contrast, such as the top of a mountain, the bluest beach or from the most iconic building in the city.
No comments:
Post a Comment