How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse

While a lunar eclipse is safe to watch directly, a solar eclipse can severely damage the eyes if looked at directly through binoculars, camera lens, or telescopes. And though a total solar eclipse doesn't typically last longer than seven minutes, a pinhole box is a safe and inexpensive way to view a solar eclipse.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard box
• Aluminum foil
• Sheet of white typing (printer) paper

1. Using a box that is large enough to be placed over the head of the viewer, cut a small square of aluminum foil and tape it eye level to the viewer on one end of the box on the outside.

2. Next, poke a small (pin) hole through the center of the foil square.

3. On the opposite end of the inside of the box tape a sheet of white paper, so that when the box is on the viewers head they are facing the sheet of paper.

4. Holding the box over the head, tilt the pinhole side up until the solar eclipse image is projected onto the white sheet of paper.

Tips & Warnings

• It is NEVER safe to view a solar eclipse through sun glasses, binoculars, telescopes, or cameras that are not specifically made for such events.
• It is NEVER safe to view a solar eclipse through sunglasses, telescopes, or binoculars! Only cameras made specifically for a solar eclipse are safe.