This evening, across the world, we will see the millennium's first solar eclipse. It's both a total and partial eclipse, depending on what area of the world you'll be watching from. How and where to see the eclipse depends on where you live, but one thing is for certain – you'll need suitable eye protection if you plan to fully observe the rare spectacle.
The last total solar eclipse took place 27 years ago, while the next one won't occur in the UK until 2090! From British soil, today's eclipse is set to be almost total, with 90-96% of the sun set to be obscured, depending on your location. Check out our eclipse guide for more information.
How do you make an eclipse pinhole projector?
You may think that you can forgo official eclipse glasses in lieu of your own sunnies, but think again, as doing so even for a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to your retina. Instead, why not make yourself an eclipse pinhole viewing device? It's the quickest, easiest, and most inexpensive way to view the eclipse safely.
You'll need: A cardboard box like a cereal box, paper, tin foil, pen, sellotape, drawing pins, and scissors.
1. Take your cereal box and trace the bottom end of it on a white piece of paper.
2. Cut that out and tape it to the bottom of your box on the inside.
3. Cut out a square on the top left and top right of the box's lid, but seal shut the middle section. (I cut the top right square a little large here, you want it about half this size for best viewing, you'll see later on I make it smaller again!)
4. Cover the left top corner with tin foil and secure with tape (be careful, it is delicate but you want it tight to the box). Leave the right top corner of the box uncovered.
5. Poke a tiny pinhole into the middle of the tin foil (make sure it is not too big) – this is for the sun to travel through, while the open corner is for your eyes to look into.
6. And volia, your viewer/projector is ready! Feel free to add decoration or signage where you like!
TIP: If you have extra time, it can help to cover up any cracks or corners of the box where the sun could sneak through, or even add an additional layer of paper around the box to make it darker inside.
How to use a eclipse pinhole projector
At the time of the eclipse, with the sun behind you at your back, point the bottom of the box to the ground and angle it so the sunlight behind you travels through the pinhole. Look into the box via the other corner to witness the spectacle safely and indirectly.
Can I take photos of the eclipse?
What about using your phone to view and capture the eclipse? Pointing an unfiltered phone camera directly at the sun for more than a couple of seconds can melt or damage the internal sensor, so be sure to use the proper equipment and be quick when taking any snaps. Also be careful not to look past youe phone camera into the centre of the eclipse itself if you're not wearing proper eye protection.
