The astronomical event of 2026 is almost here. On 12 August, France will witness an almost total solar eclipse. Here is how to capture the moment on your phone without damaging it.
Looking directly at the Sun without protection is extremely hazardous to your eyes, and your phone faces a similar risk. Smartphone camera sensors are not designed to cope with such an intense burst of light.
If you want to photograph the Sun, you must therefore protect the camera. This is particularly important for anyone planning to watch the solar eclipse on 12 August. With coverage expected to exceed 95% across much of the country, taking photos or video could create a wonderful keepsake - provided that a few precautions are taken.
How to film or photograph a solar eclipse with your phone
To record this historic occasion - it will be the only total solar eclipse visible in France before 2081 - several requirements need to be met. During an eclipse, sunlight remains even more intense than usual, so your phone needs protection to prevent internal damage.
Use a solar filter to protect your phone camera
The easiest option is to buy a solar filter. These filters are specifically made to shield cameras from very high light levels. Many brands offer solar filters for smartphone camera sensors, but make sure you follow the recommended protection standard.
Avoid unsuitable ND filters
Be wary of the ND-filter trap as well. A standard filter is not suitable for an eclipse. Although it reduces visible light, it still allows Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) rays through. If you choose an ND filter, you will need to spend a considerable amount on a specialist model rated ND100000 (16.6 stops) or ND1000000 (20 stops).
Alternatively, a practical DIY solution can work just as well. You can use eclipse viewing glasses. ISO-certified glasses provide the best possible protection, both for your eyes and for your phone’s camera sensor. Cut the protective lens material from a pair of glasses to the dimensions of the sensor, then position it over the lens.
A total solar eclipse in Europe
The solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 will be historic. It will be total in Spain and Iceland, while France will see a partial eclipse with exceptional obscuration ranging from 90% in the north-east to 99.8% in the south-west.
The event will begin at around 19:20, peak at about 20:20, and finish around 21:15, at twilight. As the Sun will be very low above the western horizon, choose an elevated location with a completely unobstructed view. The good news is that the heatwave weather should provide perfectly clear skies.
Certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses must be worn from the start to the end of the observation.
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