- A solar eclipse is expected to occur in North America on April 8, 2024, and many Americans are already preparing for this rare event.
- To get the perfect photo, you need to be as close as possible to the path of the totality, which spans 15 U.S. states, across Mexico’s Pacific coast and into eastern Canada.
- Online maps like those from NASA can be used for accurate path tracking and totality periods.
Monday’s total solar eclipse may be one of the most photographed and photographed events of the year.
Crowds take photos and videos of the moment as the moon passes in front of the sun, plunging much of North America into darkness for several minutes.
However, strong sunlight and rapid changes in lighting create unique challenges when capturing the perfect image.
Solar eclipse in 2024: Where and how to see the unusual orbit that will hit the US
Here are some tips to help you get the best shots.
Monday’s total solar eclipse may be one of the most photographed and photographed events of the year. (ROB KERR/AFP via Getty Images)
How do I find the best place to photograph a solar eclipse?
First, get into the right position. You’ll want to get as close as possible to the total path that passes through Mexico’s Pacific coast and ends in eastern Canada. Fifteen states in the United States will be able to see the full solar eclipse.
You can use online maps to see if you’re near the trail. Depending on your location, NASA’s map shows how many minutes of total solar eclipse you’ll see if you’re in the path, and how many minutes of partial solar eclipse you’ll see if you’re outside of the path.
For audiences in Mexico and Canada, eclipse expert Xavier Juvier’s website shows the eclipse’s path overlaid on Google Maps, allowing you to zoom in to road-level detail.
What can I use to plan a good shot?
Many factors come into play, including cloud cover and the sun’s position in the sky, so planning is key to getting the best images.
There are many smartphone apps for solar eclipse chasers. The American Astronomical Society has created a list of useful ones for both iOS and Android devices, including its own Totality app that displays your location on a map of total paths.
Solar Eclipse Timer uses your phone’s GPS to play an audio countdown to the moment of totality and highlights key moments. The app creator recommends using a separate phone for taking photos.
Eclipse Calculator 2 for Android devices uses your phone’s camera to depict what an event will look like in the sky from your location using lines overlaid on top of the camera image. For iPhone users, apps like Sky Guide and SkySafari include solar eclipse simulators. There are other iOS apps that use augmented reality to simulate solar eclipses, but they are expensive and not yet on the association’s list.
How can I take great photos of a solar eclipse?
Digital SLR cameras produce the best photos. With manual exposure control and the added functionality of accessories like a zoom lens and remote shutter button, you can take great photos.
Julio Cortez, chief photographer for the Associated Press, advises using a smaller aperture (f11 or f17) to keep the focus “a little sharper.” When photographing the 2017 total solar eclipse, he used his ISO setting of 1250 and shutter speed of 1/500.
The rest have smartphones.
In 2017, NASA released detailed guidelines for photographing solar eclipses with smartphones, with the caveat that “smartphones are not designed to photograph the sun or moon.” That’s because the wide-angle lenses on most devices can’t capture close-up details. But new phones released since then have sophisticated sensors, multiple lenses, and image stabilization software, giving you a better chance.
Some experts suggest HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode. This mode takes a series of photos at different light levels and blends them into one shot of her. This is perfect for combining very dark and very bright areas of the eclipse.
However, please do not use flash. It can ruin the moment by ruining the vision of those around you whose eyes have adapted to darkness.
What do I need to protect myself from the sun?
The American Astronomical Society recommends using a solar filter to protect your camera from intense sunlight and heat.
You can also buy filters that screw onto the lens of your DSLR camera, but they take a long time to remove if a bulge occurs. Cortez made it himself using cardboard, colored film, and quick-peel fasteners.
For smartphones, you can use spare eclipse glasses and hold them over the lenses, or you can purchase smartphone filters. Although there are no international standards, the association’s website provides a list of models considered safe. Make sure macro mode is not turned on.
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If you plan on shooting for a long time, use a tripod. To mount and position the camera on a tripod, Cortes uses a solar finder, which allows him to locate the sun without damaging his eyes or equipment.
Cortez also advises bringing a white towel to cover your gear after you set it up so it doesn’t overheat while you wait for the big moment.
Can I take a selfie with the solar eclipse?
It’s very tempting to want to create a solar eclipse video for TikTok or Instagram. Perhaps you want to take a video selfie while narrating to the camera while the cosmic ballet between the sun and moon unfolds over your shoulder.
Be careful: You may think your eyesight isn’t at risk because you don’t look at the sun, but eye experts warn that your phone screen can reflect harmful UV rays. Masu.
Also, if you use a solar filter on your selfie camera, the photo will be too dark to show you.
