Solar Snap is a device-app combo designed to help protect your eyes and take photos during a solar eclipse. It comes with a camera filter that attaches to your phone and eclipse glasses for eye protection. The app allows you to zoom in on the eclipse, adjust camera settings, and capture photos. Douglas Duncan, a former Hubble Space Telescope astronomer, founded Solar Snap after noticing people struggling to capture eclipse photos with their phones.
The Solar Snap app is specifically designed for taking photos during a solar eclipse and may not be useful for everyday purposes. The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible over North America, with the moon passing between Earth and the sun. Solar eclipses can pose risks to eyesight without proper protection, and looking at the eclipse through a camera lens without a filter can also cause damage. Solar Snap aims to solve this issue by providing filters for both the camera and eyes, ensuring safety while capturing images.
The Solar Snap kit costs $19 and includes two pairs of phone filters, protective eyewear, and Velcro sets for attaching the filter to your phone. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. The app’s settings are optimized for image quality, and it can automate photo-taking during totality when the moon completely covers the sun. Solar Snap offers a convenient solution for viewing and photographing solar eclipses without compromising eye safety.
When photographing an eclipse, it’s important to practice your setup beforehand to avoid any last-minute complications. Using a certified solar filter on your camera can protect your eyes and enable photography. While DSLR cameras may offer the best quality photos, smartphone cameras can also be used effectively with manual adjustments. NASA recommends avoiding digital zoom and investing in an inexpensive zoom lens for clearer images.
Over 44 million people are expected to experience totality during the upcoming eclipse, making it a popular event for photography. Despite the focus on capturing the moment, it’s essential to take time to enjoy the experience itself. Solar Snap provides a practical solution for both eye protection and quality photography during solar eclipses, ensuring a memorable and safe viewing experience. With the next total solar eclipse over North America not occurring until 2044, the upcoming event presents a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts and skywatchers alike.
