How To View Solar Eclipse Safely? Make DIY Eclipse Viewers

Solar eclipses undoubtedly are one of the greatest celestial shows. Thus our curiosity about the nature’s marvel is always justified. Whether it was the Great North American Eclipse of 2024 or any other one you are expecting, every time it generates great excitement. However, viewing a solar eclipse without precautions can be risky for our eyesight. This article explore five homemade ways discussing “how to view solar eclipse safely,”. It then offers ingenious solutions for safe eclipse viewing.

Whether utilizing cereal boxes, paper, or other household materials, these DIY viewers provide creative and effective ways to protect our vision. By crafting these viewers, we not only safeguard our eyes but also embrace the awe-inspiring spectacle of the solar eclipse. So, let’s explore these inventive techniques and prepare to witness the celestial phenomenon safely from the comfort of our homes.

Why People Get Excited About a Solar Eclipse?

• Observing a solar eclipse from home is both fun and educational for children and adults.
• Homemade viewers ensure safe viewing, avoiding the risks associated with direct observation.
• Watching the eclipse with precautions fosters a deeper understanding of astronomy and the universe.
• Children can learn about celestial events and spark an interest in science.
• It’s an exciting opportunity to witness the beauty of the cosmos while promoting learning and exploration.

The Importance Of Clear Skies During Eclipses

Whether it be the Great North American Eclipse or any other, they all remind us of the importance of clear skies. Undoubtedly clear skies can only remain so if we keep our planet pollution free. But are we ensuring that? If we were, the planet wouldn’t be protesting on earth day. Yes, the earth is protesting. Thus hear your planet and take action. Check out our Earth Day Book – The Earth Protests to know more of what’s happening.

Is Watching Solar Eclipse Harmful? Understanding the Risks

Watching a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can indeed be extremely harmful. Undoubtedly, the intense light emitted by the sun during an eclipse can cause serious damage to the retina, leading to permanent vision loss or even blindness. Even a brief glimpse of the sun’s rays during an eclipse can result in irreversible eye damage, making it essential to take precautions to safeguard our eyesight.

List Of Dangers of Viewing Solar Eclipse Directly

• Viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection poses significant risks to our vision.
• The intense light emitted during an eclipse can cause irreversible damage to the retina.
• During a solar eclipse, the moon blocks much of the Sun’s light, but harmful UV and IR radiation persist.
• The Sun’s corona emits increased UV radiation during a total solar eclipse, posing a risk to our skin and eyes.
• Diminished visible light causes our pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful radiation to enter our eyes.
• Even a brief exposure to the sun’s rays during an eclipse can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

Check out the article and guide published by American Academy of Ophthalmology about dangers of sun’s UV rays and how to avoid them here.

Given the above stated dangers of viewing solar eclipse directly; special filters like eclipse glasses or self created solar eclipse viewers are a necessity for safely observing a solar eclipse. Thus protecting our eyes from harm.

5 Ways Of Making a Solar Eclipse Viewer

Now that we know, why understanding about how to view solar eclipse safely is essential; let’s dive in further into learning to make a solar eclipse viewer. In this article, we will not only study making 5 different DIY solar eclipse viewers but also understand the importance of being safe during such historic celestial events.

1. Cereal Box To View Solar Eclipse Safely

Materials Needed:

• Empty cereal box
• Aluminum foil
• Tape
• Pin or needle

Instructions:

Cut out a small square opening on one side of the cereal box.
Cover the opening with aluminum foil and secure it with tape.
Then use a pin or needle to poke a small hole in the center of the foil.
With your back to the sun, hold the box up to your eyes and then aim the pinhole towards the sun.
You will be able to see a projected image of the eclipse on the inside of the box.

To better grasp the making of it, here is a video tutorial for you to learn how to make a cereal box DIY eclipse viewer:

2. Paper Plate Viewer

• Materials Needed: Paper plate, aluminum foil, tape, pin or needle
• Instructions:
  1. Cut a small hole in the center of the paper plate.
  2. Cover the hole with aluminum foil and secure it with tape.
  3. Use a pin or needle to make a small hole in the center of the foil.
  4. Hold the plate up to the sun and position it so that the sunlight passes through the pinhole and onto a surface. Surface could be the ground or a piece of paper.
  5. You will see a projected image of the eclipse on the surface.

3. Cardboard Tube To View Solar Eclipse Safely

• Materials Needed: Cardboard tube (paper towel or toilet paper roll), aluminum foil, tape, pin or needle
• Instructions:
  1. Cover one end of the cardboard tube with aluminum foil and secure it with tape.
  2. Use a pin or needle to make a small hole in the center of the foil.
  3. With your back to the sun, hold the tube up to your eyes and then aim the pinhole towards the sun.
  4. A projected image of the eclipse will be visible on the inside of the tube.

Here is a video demonstrating how to make one using a toilet paper roll and view solar eclipse safely:

4. Shoebox Viewer

• Materials Needed: Shoebox or similar container, aluminum foil, tape, pin or needle
• Instructions:
  1. Cut a small square opening on one end of the shoebox and cover it with aluminum foil.
  2. Secure the foil with tape and make a small hole in the center using a pin or needle.
  3. Close the box securely.
  4. With your back to the sun, hold the box up to your eyes and then aim the pinhole towards the sun.
  5. The eclipse’s image will be projected onto the inside of the box.

Watch this video to understand this method to view solar eclipse safely:

5. DIY Pinhole Camera

• Materials Needed: Room with windows, aluminum foil, tape, pin or needle
• Instructions:
  1. Cover one or more windows in a room with aluminum foil.
  2. Use tape to secure the foil in place, ensuring there are no gaps.
  3. Then use a pin or needle to make a small hole in the center of the foil on each window.
  4. As sunlight passes through the pinholes, it will create projected images of the eclipse on the opposite wall or surface.

The Gist Of How To View Solar Eclipse Safely

As any solar eclipse approaches, it’s important to prioritize eye safety when viewing this awe-inspiring celestial event. Moreover, by following these simple DIY methods for creating a solar eclipse viewer, you can enjoy the spectacle of the eclipse without risking harm to your vision. Remember, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, and always exercise caution when observing solar events.

Now, gather your materials and get ready to witness the magic of the solar eclipse safely from the comfort of your own homemade viewer!