Experts emphasize the importance of protecting your eyes during a solar eclipse, warning against the dangers of staring directly at the sun, even during the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 across North America. While viewers are advised to wear special glasses or use viewing devices specifically designed for eclipses, questions arise about the safety of using cellphone cameras to capture the event.

In short, it is not safe to point your cellphone camera directly at the sky during a solar eclipse. Although the sun doesn't emit more dangerous UV rays during an eclipse, it remains extremely bright, posing risks to both eyes and cameras alike. The lens in a cellphone camera can concentrate sunlight, potentially causing damage or even destroying the camera.

Similarly, larger cameras with larger lenses can magnify the intensity of sunlight, leading to equipment damage. Experts caution against looking through the viewfinder of a camera directly at the sun, as concentrated light can result in serious eye damage.

To protect camera lenses during a solar eclipse, just as you protect your eyes with specially-filtered glasses, camera lenses can be safeguarded with filters. It's crucial to purchase certified filters that meet safety standards for both eyes and cameras.

For cellphones, filters are available for purchase that can be held directly in front of the phone, shielding the lens from the sun. For larger cameras, a solar filter should be placed on top of the lens for protection. It's essential to use a properly designated solar filter rather than a neutral density filter, as solar filters protect both the camera and the photographer's eyes from invisible infrared and ultraviolet radiation, while dimming sunlight.

When purchasing eclipse glasses and viewers, it's imperative to ensure they meet safety standards, specifically ISO 12312-2. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) advises against buying eclipse glasses from online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Temu. Instead, they recommend purchasing from certified vendors listed on their website.

Certain large chains, including Meijer, Kroger, 7 Eleven, Cracker Barrel, Lowe's, Warby Parker (available in stores starting April 1), Walmart, Staples, and Menards, are selling safe solar viewers and filters in-store. However, it's cautioned against purchasing online from these retailers, as some may use different suppliers for their websites than they do for their physical stores.

In conclusion, ensuring proper eye and camera protection during a solar eclipse is crucial for safety. By following recommended guidelines and purchasing certified filters and viewers, viewers can safely enjoy and capture the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a solar eclipse.