Solar eclipse on February 17: NASA-backed tips to capture the solar eclipse safely

Photographing a solar eclipse draws crowds whenever the Moon passes in front of the Sun, and many people now plan ahead of time to record the event safely. The first solar eclipse of 2026 is scheduled for February 17th. It will be an annular solar eclipse, sometimes known as a ring of fire, in which the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun but does not completely obscure it. Instead of complete darkness, a dazzling ring of sunshine will be visible around the Moon's edge.It will begin in the southern Indian Ocean, cross parts of Antarctica, and end in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Because the central path runs mainly across Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean, very few people will witness the complete annular phase in person. However, a much wider area of the Southern Hemisphere will experience a partial eclipse.Photographing a solar eclipse requires more than pointing a camera at the sky. Safety comes first, followed by careful preparation and an understanding of how light will change throughout the event. From choosing the right filters to adjusting exposure and framing the wider landscape, each decision shapes the final result. The following guidance, backed by NASA, outlines the practical steps needed to capture the eclipse clearly while protecting both eyesight and equipment.Direct sunlight can permanently damage eyesight and burn camera sensors within seconds. Standard sunglasses are not safe. Certified solar viewing glasses that meet international safety standards are required for all partial stages.Cameras also need a dedicated solar filter fitted securely over the front of the lens. Neutral density filters are not designed for this purpose. During totality, when the sun is fully covered, filters can be removed briefly to photograph the corona. They must be replaced as soon as bright sunlight returns.High-end equipment is not essential. A DSLR, mirrorless body or modern smartphone can all record the event if used carefully. Longer lenses bring the solar disc closer, but wide lenses can show the changing light across the landscape.A tripod helps reduce blur as light levels drop. Using a shutter delay reduces movement when pressing the button. Manual focus is often more reliable. Many photographers use digital magnification to sharpen the edge of the Sun before taking images.Testing exposure on the uneclipsed sun before the event can save time later. With an aperture between f8 and f16, shutter speeds may range from 1 over 1000 second to around 1 quarter second during partial phases. The corona during totality varies in brightness, so several exposures can help capture detail.Keeping the sun near the centre of the frame is common for telephoto images. Some photographers combine timed shots into a single composite to show the stages progressing.Light changes quickly as the Moon advances. Shadows sharpen. Leaves project small crescent shapes onto pavements and walls. People look up, point, and wait. Photographs of those reactions often say as much as the sun itself.