total solar eclipse 2017: how to watch and photograph the eclipse

on monday, august 21, 2017, all of north america will witness a rare cosmic experience like no other: the total solar eclipse 2017. during it, the moon will cover the sun completely as well as it’s delicate atmosphere — the corona — blocking out its light for mere minutes. an estimated 500 million people will be able to see the eclipse in partial or total form, stretching from lincoln beach, oregon to charleston, south carolina (total), and from canada to some parts of south america (partial).

here at designboom we know that an event like this can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we have gathered some information for you to safely view and enjoy one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.

the only safe way to look directly at an eclipse is to use solar glasses
all images courtesy of total solar eclipse 2017 – NASA

number one rule of the eclipse — and repeat this to yourself a thousand times if needed — do not look directly at the sun without protection. the only way to do it is through special-purpose solar filters such as ‘eclipse glasses’. ordinary sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe and make sure you don’t look at it through a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device without filter.

the image shows the eclipse’s path, estimating around 500 people being able to see it

a cheaper option that doesn’t require the eclipse glasses and that can be completely homemade is possible following the pinhole camera logic. this method doesn’t allow you to look directly into the sun, but to project the eclipse into any surface. to do so, just find an object that has a hole on it where light can pass through like a pasta strainer, or as a last resort you can use your hands together so your fingers crisscross. the sun will pass through the object you chose and it will project the eclipse on the ground or wall behind you. for those of you who need more guidance, NASA has made available 2D and 3D printable pinhole projectors that you can find here.

the eclipse will last a total of two minutes and a half

as for taking pictures with your smartphone, maybe you should reconsider the idea of capturing everything with it and concentrate on saving it in your own memory. first of all, the eclipse only lasts about two minutes and a half. second, have you ever tried taking a picture of the moon with your phone? it doesn’t look as pretty as you see it with your own eyes right? this may be due to the fact that the sun is 92.96 million miles away from earth, and your phone cameras are definitely not that potent.

NASA has made available 2D and 3D printable pinhole projectors

if you still want to take pictures of it make sure to have your eclipse glasses on while pointing to the sun. also, don’t use a telephoto lens attachment for your phone as this will damage your phone without a doubt. only use it if you have a solar filter to protect your phone’s camera.

last, for the ones that are not near the eclipse’s path, NASA will be live streaming the event with a four-hour show. viewers can find it on the NASA’s livestream page, Facebook live, youtube, twitter/periscope, twitch tv, ustream, and the NASA app.

for a DIY solutions, cut small circles into a flat surface and see how the sun is projected