Europe's Aug. 12 Total Solar Eclipse Draws Millions as Experts Urge Smartphone Safety Tips
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 6
Europe's Aug. 12 Total Solar Eclipse Draws Millions as Experts Urge Smartphone Safety Tips
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 6
Summary
Aug. 12’s total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain, parts of Greenland, western Iceland and a corner of Portugal, with millions expected to watch and record it on smartphones.
Spain is set for a tourism boost because much of Europe will see the eclipse near sunset, making location, a clear western horizon and cloud-forecast apps critical for both viewing and photography.
Smartphone users are advised to zoom rather than use flash, adjust exposure for the eclipse’s abrupt lighting shifts, and capture wide-angle scenes as the landscape darkens and tree shadows create miniature eclipse patterns.
ISO 12312-2-certified solar filters or eclipse glasses are essential during partial phases, and experts warn counterfeit glasses sold online can cause permanent eye damage in seconds.
Tripods, timers and covering devices with a white towel can improve shots and prevent overheating, while selfie videos still carry eye risk because phone screens may reflect harmful ultraviolet light.