Astronomy expert shares mobile photography tips for solar eclipse

Pedro Ré, president of the Portuguese Association of Amateur Astronomers and professor at the University of Lisbon, has provided guidance on how to safely photograph the solar eclipse occurring on Wednesday, August 12.

Ré noted that while mobile phones are not specifically designed for solar photography, they can be used if a solar filter is placed in front of the lens. This can include filters from certified eclipse viewing glasses. He warned that attempting to photograph the sun directly without a filter will not produce a successful image. For higher definition, specialized digital cameras or telescopes with dedicated filters are required.

Ré suggested that instead of focusing solely on the sun, observers could record videos of the changing environment and the reactions of the crowd to capture the 23-second period of obscurity. He emphasized that observers must continue to use eye protection throughout the entire event.

In related news, the airline Iberia has scheduled a flight at an altitude of 10 kilometers to allow passengers to view the eclipse above the clouds. Weather forecasts from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere anticipate clear skies across much of Portugal for the observation.