The Great American Eclipse
By now, you’ve most definitely heard that there will be a solar eclipse this year on Monday, August 21st! If you plan on watching this rare experience, chances are you’ll want to take pictures.
Most people use smartphones now instead of cameras, and will want to use their phones to capture the extraordinary event, but it is not recommended you use your phone’s camera prior to the eclipse reaching totality. However, because it will be dark, your photos could turn out grainy, so if you plan on using your smartphone, NASA recommends you download an app to help prevent grainy photos. (Also, be sure to wear your eclipse glasses! Don’t look at the sun without them – even through a camera lens.)
NASA recommends two apps (iPhone users only): Camera+ and NightCap Pro. They also advise practicing taking pictures at night or somewhere dark with these apps leading up to the big event – so that when that once-in-a-lifetime moment arrives, you’re not flustered trying to figure how to use the app. If you take pictures, GeoDesign would love to see them! For more information on eclipse photography, check out this article from CNN – and remember: safety first! Wear those glasses (ISO certified) to prevent eye damage. And beware of fraudulent glasses.
Should you happen to miss the eclipse, the good news is that you’ll have another opportunity seven years from now. According to NASA, there will be another solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024. The bad news? It looks like Oregon will not be in the path of totality.
by: Katie Morgan