Gazing directly at the Sun can be perilous for our eyes, and the same holds true for the cameras on our iPhones. The photoreceptors in Apple’s smartphones aren’t built to handle such intense light exposure.

Protecting Your iPhone During Solar Events

If you’re planning to capture the solar eclipse on April 8, it’s crucial to shield your iPhone’s camera. This event, which will traverse the North American continent from west to east in the evening, presents a unique photographic opportunity.

Capturing the Solar Eclipse Safely with Your iPhone

This eclipse is not just any celestial event; it’s the only total solar eclipse visible from North America this century. The intensity of sunlight during an eclipse can be surprisingly strong, posing a risk of internal damage to your iPhone if not properly protected.

The most straightforward precaution is to purchase a solar filter. These filters are engineered to protect camera sensors from extreme light levels. Various brands offer solar filters tailored for iPhone cameras.

For those in the US, eclipse goggles are available for free. Warby Parker, the eyewear company headquartered in New York City and boasting a network of over 200 outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada, has declared its initiative to hand out complimentary ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses, aiming to facilitate a protected eclipse-watching experience for enthusiasts. These ISO-certified goggles provide optimal protection for both your eyes and your iPhone’s sensor. However, if you’re improvising (system D), ensure that the iPhone’s camera is securely attached to the goggle’s lens.

The European Perspective on the Solar Eclipse

For Europeans, witnessing this total eclipse won’t be possible. On April 8, we’ll observe a regular Sun. Only a select few in regions like Svalbard, Iceland, or northern Ireland will experience a partial eclipse.

In France, a partial lunar eclipse is expected on September 18, 2024. As for solar eclipses, the next one is forecasted for March 29, 2025. The subsequent total solar eclipse visible in France won’t occur until 2081, so patience is key. These astronomical events happen every 2 to 3 years but are visible from different locations around the globe. The next total solar eclipse, on August 12, 2026, will be visible in parts of Spain by day’s end.

The next total lunar eclipse visible in the United States is set to occur on March 14, 2025. This celestial event is a rare and stunning occurrence, where the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that completely covers the Moon.

A Spectacle in the Night Sky: The 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse

As night falls on March 14, 2025, skywatchers across the United States will be treated to a dramatic total lunar eclipse. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, making them an accessible astronomical event for enthusiasts of all ages.

During the eclipse, the Moon will gradually darken and take on a reddish hue, a phenomenon often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” This coloration is due to the Earth’s atmosphere bending sunlight into the shadow, illuminating the Moon in a warm glow.

The total phase of the eclipse, when the Moon is fully engulfed in the Earth’s umbral shadow, will be visible from many locations in the U.S., weather permitting. The entire event will unfold over several hours, with the total phase lasting up to an hour and a half.

This upcoming eclipse is part of the lunar saros series 129 and is the 58th of 71 eclipses in the series. The last occurrence was on March 3, 2007, and after 2025, the next will be on March 25, 2043.

Lunar eclipses have long fascinated humanity, serving as a reminder of our place in the cosmos. The 2025 total lunar eclipse promises to be a memorable event, offering a moment of wonder and a unique opportunity for communal observation and scientific study.