Complete Guide to Observing and Photographing the Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026

On August 12, 2026, a partial solar eclipse will cover over 90% of the sun in much of Italy. This rare and spectacular phenomenon offers a unique opportunity to observe and photograph a significant astronomical event. This guide is designed for those who wish to document the eclipse safely, protecting both their vision and photographic equipment.

The solar eclipse is an event that attracts the attention of astronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and curious minds. Observing and photographing a solar eclipse requires specific precautions to avoid damage to the eyes and equipment. The guide is aimed at anyone who wants to capture this natural phenomenon in a safe and effective way.

To best plan the observation, it is useful to consult tools like eclipsemap.xyz, which provides precise information on the percentage of coverage visible from your location.

Looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent damage to the retina. Solar light does not cause immediate pain, but the damage can be irreversible. The same applies to cameras: pointing your phone's lens at the sun without protection can permanently damage the sensor.

Prerequisites

• Hardware:
  • Smartphone or camera with interchangeable optics (mirrorless or DSLR)
  • Solar filters certified ISO 12312-2 and CE for direct sun observation
  • Solar filters for smartphone or camera (e.g., Solar Optics, K&F Concept ND1000000)
  • Smart telescope (e.g., Seestar S30 Pro) with dedicated solar filter
  • Stable tripod (for mirrorless or DSLR cameras)
• Software:

PROCEDURE: How to photograph the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026

By following this step-by-step guide, you will obtain images of the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 without damaging your eyes or equipment.

Step 1: Verify the visibility of the eclipse

• Access the site eclipsemap.xyz.
• Enter your location to view the percentage of eclipse coverage.
• Plan your position based on the map for optimal viewing.

Step 2: Buy eclipse glasses

• Search on Amazon for glasses with very dark plastic lenses.
• Make sure they have the CE marking and ISO 12312-2 certification.
• Check that the lenses are intact and scratch-free before use.

Step 3: Buy solar filters for smartphones

• Choose from mixed kits like Solar Optics (around €10) or clip filters like K&F Concept ND1000000 (around €34).
• Mount the filter on the phone lens before taking a picture.

Step 4: Configure your smartphone

• If available, switch to manual mode.
• Lower the exposure to the minimum.
• Check ISO and shutter speed.

Step 5: Use a smart telescope (optional)

• Buy a smart telescope like the Seestar S30 Pro.
• Mount the dedicated solar filter on the lens.
• Point the telescope at the sun via the app.
• Observe and take pictures or record a time-lapse via the app.

Step 6: Use a mirrorless or DSLR (optional)

• Buy a solar filter in sheet or screw-on format compatible with your lens.
• Manually set the camera to avoid overexposure.
• Use a stable tripod and manually frame the sun.

VERIFICATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING

After choosing and configuring the equipment to photograph the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, it is important to verify that everything works correctly and know how to intervene in case of problems.

How to test if it works

• Test the eclipse glasses: Before the event, wear the glasses and observe a bright light source, such as an incandescent lamp. Check that the light is almost completely darkened and that there are no bright spots visible through the lenses.
• Test the solar filters for smartphones: Apply the filter to the phone lens and point the camera at a bright light. Make sure the image is clear and that there are no overexposures or reflections.
• Test smart telescopes: Mount the dedicated solar filter and point the telescope at the sun via the app. Check that the image is stable and that the telescope tracks the sun correctly.
• Test mirrorless and DSLR: Mount the solar filter on the lens and set the camera to manual mode. Take some test shots at a bright light to ensure the exposure is correct and the image is sharp.

What to do if it fails

• Eclipse glasses: If the glasses have scratches, holes, or signs of wear, do not use them and buy a new pair certified ISO 12312-2 and CE.
• Solar filters for smartphones: If the filter does not sufficiently darken the light or has defects, replace it with a certified and quality model.
• Smart telescopes: If the telescope does not track the sun correctly or the image is not stable, check the app settings or consult the manufacturer's instructions.
• Mirrorless and DSLR: If the images are overexposed or blurry, adjust the camera settings or use a higher quality solar filter.

Summary and call to practice

At the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to observe and photograph the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 in a safe and effective way. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Preparation: Verify the visibility of the eclipse from your location using eclipsemap.xyz.
• Safety: Never look directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, and do not point your phone's camera at the sun without protection.
• Solutions for observation: Use glasses certified ISO 12312-2 and CE to observe the eclipse safely.
• Photography with smartphone: Use dedicated solar filters to protect your phone's sensor and get decent shots.
• Smart telescopes: For detailed images, consider using smart telescopes like the Seestar S30 Pro, which offer an automated experience and high-quality results.
• Professional equipment: If you own a mirrorless or DSLR, use suitable solar filters to make the most of your optics.

Now that you know the available solutions, it's time to prepare to enjoy this astronomical event to the fullest. Choose the option that best suits your needs and enjoy the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026!