How to make a solar eclipse viewer

As the day of the solar eclipse approaches, excitement fills the air, and people everywhere are looking for ways to safely experience this rare celestial event. Perhaps you’re planning a family gathering, hoping to share the awe of the eclipse with loved ones, or maybe you’re just a curious soul eager to catch a glimpse of the sun being obscured by the moon. Regardless of your motivation, the need for a safe viewing method is paramount. With so much misinformation about direct solar viewing floating around, you might find yourself asking: how can I make a solar eclipse viewer?

To make a solar eclipse viewer, you can create a simple pinhole projector using a piece of cardboard and a white sheet of paper.

To make a solar eclipse viewer, start by gathering your materials: a piece of cardboard (like a cereal box), a small piece of aluminum foil, a pin or a sharp object, and a white sheet of paper. Begin by cutting a small hole at one end of the cardboard and covering it with the aluminum foil. Use a pin to poke a tiny hole in the center of the foil, which will act as your pinhole. Next, place the white paper on the ground a few feet away from where you’ll be standing. When the eclipse occurs, hold the cardboard so that the sunlight passes through the pinhole and projects an image of the sun onto the white paper. Adjust your distance based on the size of the projection to get the best view. Remember to never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection!