The UK will witness a partial solar eclipse this evening, but experts are urging the public not to watch it through their phone cameras. The College of Optometrists advises against using phone screens to view the eclipse, and Uswitch warns that pointing a phone camera at the sun can permanently damage the device.
Why Phone Cameras Are Unsafe
Jez Samuel, mobiles expert at Uswitch, told Metro that an unfiltered lens focused on the sun can burn out the sensor, akin to the risk to vision from looking directly at the sun. 'A phone camera lens focuses sunlight into an intense point on the sensor behind it, and enough unfiltered exposure will kill pixels permanently,' he said. 'From then on, every shot carries the same dark marks.' Repairing a sun-burnt camera lens can cost up to £250.
Eclipse chasers are advised to use special protective gear, but most eclipse glasses are sold out online and in stores. However, there are several safe alternatives using household items.
DIY Pinhole Camera and Other Methods
A DIY pinhole camera, also known as a box projector, can project an image of the eclipse onto the ground. Materials needed are scissors, white paper, tape, tin foil, and a pin. Cut paper to fit the bottom of a box, tape it as a screen, cut two holes in the top, cover one with foil and punch a tiny hole, and use the other as an eyehole. Face away from the eclipse to see the projected image.
Another free option is using your hands: place one hand over the other at a 90-degree angle, open fingers slightly, and let sunlight stream through onto the ground. Items with holes, like a colander or cheese grater, or light filtered through trees, work similarly. Paper with a tiny hole held above another sheet can also serve as a projector.
Livestreams and Scam Warnings
For those who prefer not to DIY, livestreams are available on platforms like NASA or the Royal Museums Greenwich YouTube account. However, NordVPN warns of scammers creating fake livestream sites. Marijus Briedis, CTO of NordVPN, noted that during the 2024 eclipse in North America, crooks made fake SpaceX livestreams with a deepfake Elon Musk. 'People should be suspicious if a supposedly free eclipse stream asks them to create an account, enter payment details, scan a QR code or download anything before they can watch,' Briedis added.
With the eclipse occurring this evening, stargazers are encouraged to use these safe viewing methods to avoid eye and device damage, while remaining vigilant against online scams.
