Excited to watch the solar eclipse but struggling to find eclipse-safe glasses that meet the ISO standard? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft a simple yet effective solar eclipse pinhole projector using common household materials, ensuring a safe viewing experience. Remember, never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection! Doing so can cause irreversible damage to the eyes.
This DIY pinhole projector is adapted from NASA.
Materials
- A cereal box
- Aluminum foil
- Paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Tape
- Optional: Pin or paperclip
Step 1: Prepare the Box
Position the cereal box on the paper. Using a pencil, carefully trace around the bottom edge of the box to create an outline. Next, use scissors to cut along the tracing. Tape the paper cutout securely to the inside of the cereal box’s bottom, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Finally, seal the top of the cereal box with tape to prevent any light from entering.
Step 2: Create Viewing Holes
On the sealed top of the box, use scissors to cut two rectangular holes—one on each side. These rectangles should extend halfway towards the center of the box, leaving only the central portion intact.
Step 3: Construct the Pinhole
Cover one of the holes with aluminum foil and secure it in place with tape. Then, use a pencil, pin, or paperclip to make a small hole in the center of the foil.
Step 4: Viewing the Eclipse
During the eclipse, stand with the sun behind you and look through the right uncovered hole. You’ll see the projected image of the eclipsed sun on the paper inside the box’s bottom!
As the solar eclipse approaches, we hope this guide for making your own pinhole projector has given you the knowledge and tools you need to safely view this event. For more information on the solar eclipse, including what an eclipse is and where you can view it, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, Cape Cod Moms Guide to the Solar Eclipse.
Remember, whether you’re using eclipse-safe glasses or a DIY solar eclipse pinhole projector, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Happy (and safe!) eclipse viewing!
