Q: Can I view the solar eclipse in selfie mode on my phone?
A: Many people think that if you stand with your back to the sun and use selfie mode on your phone, you can safely view the eclipse. THIS MAY BE HARMFUL TO YOUR PHONE. Special lenses are used on cameras that are capturing images of the eclipse and your phone likely does not possess that technology. You may risk frying your camera in the process. This was confirmed by UWF Faculty in the Physics Department.
According to Time & Date's Interactive Eclipse Map, you can view the eclipse beginning at 12:03 pm and ending at 3:02 pm. The maximum peak will be at 1:35 pm. All times are in CENTRAL TIME for Pensacola, FL.
If your viewing glasses did not arrive in time, or you waited until the last minute to get on the solar eclipse excitement train, there is still time for you to make your own viewing device. Use the link below for instructions on how to make a pinhole projector from a cereal box (courtesy of ABC news)
IT IS NOT SAFE TO STARE DIRECTLY AT THE SUN, EVEN IF YOU ARE WEARING SUNGLASSES. Make sure you read the fine print if you are using glasses designed specifically for solar eclipse. For example, many glasses tell you NOT TO STARE FOR MORE THAN 3 MINUTES, but instead look at the eclipse in short spurts over the course of several hours.
Make sure that:
- Viewing glasses are not scratched
-Viewing lenses are not wrinkled
-Viewing glasses are not more than 3 years old
More information can be found at:
NASA's Total Solar Eclipse 2017
NASA's Recommended Safety Tips to View the August Solar Eclipse
