BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Like our eyes, our smartphones can't look directly at the total solar eclipse.
7 News' Pheben Kassahun spoke with experts to ensure you use the appropriate equipment to capture the once-in-a-lifetime event.
WATCH RELATED: How to capture the total solar eclipse with your smartphone.
"We want people to see the coolest part," said Jen Schechter, Buffalo Museum of Science Eclipse Coordinator. "We recommend if you are buying filters for your camera or telescope, you go through the same process of eclipse glasses. Buy them from a reputable vendor and make sure they are safe for direct solar viewing."
Shechter advises people to stay away from UV filters because these won't protect your lenses.
"You want those super dark. They won't damage your instrument, they won't damage your eyes," Schechter added.
Delaware Camera sells filters specifically for solar viewing. Mark Miller, store manager and photographer, says they just received a new shipment.
"You should use a filter," he said. "We got 82mm size, 95mm size, and 77mm size. We also have adapters. We have a workaround for people."
Filters at Delaware Camera range from $99 to $160.
If you can't purchase a filter, place your eclipse glasses over your phone's camera to get the same results. Just be sure not to look at the sky with your bare eyes.
"We recommend setting a timer because we also know that people will see it. People will forget it's only three and a half minutes, so set that timer as a reminder to put your eclipse glasses back on," Schechter added.
Some apps also help users track and photograph the total solar eclipse. The American Astronomical Society created a list of the most useful apps for both Android and iPhone.
Android features an app called "Eclipse Calculator 2" and iPhone features "The Solar Eclipse Timer," to make it easier to get the perfect shot.
All across Western New York, there are several eclipse-related events planned and 7 News has compiled the events we are aware of which you can find here.
If you're still in need of eclipse glasses, 7 News has compiled a list of places where you can get them, while supplies last. You can find that information here.
NASA will also provide a front-row seat for everyone across the world as it will livestream multiple events on NASA Television and YouTube starting at 1 p.m. EDT. You can read more here.
