Reliable paper-framed glasses are the preferred method for safely watching the total solar eclipse on Monday, but they have become increasingly difficult to find in some areas before the event. However, there are still alternative ways to safely view the eclipse using items commonly found around the house. One option is to use your hands to create a waffle pattern and project the image of the eclipse onto a surface. This effect can also be achieved with items such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater, or a perforated spoon. The projection can also be seen when light filters through leaves on a tree.
Another method involves setting up a cardstock screen with two white index cards or sheets of cardstock paper. By punching a small hole in one of the cards and allowing light to pass through it onto the second card as a screen, you can adjust the spacing between the two cards to enlarge or reduce the projection of the sun. Additionally, a more advanced pinhole projector can be created using a cardboard box, scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil, and a pin or thumbtack. By cutting the paper to fit the inside bottom of the box, taping it in place, and creating rectangular holes on the top with foil and a pinhole, an image of the sun can be projected onto the screen at the bottom of the box.
Crafting a box projector allows viewers to enjoy the eclipse through makeshift pinholes with a larger image projected onto the screen inside the box. The setup should include a larger box or cereal box with a piece of paper taped to the bottom to act as a screen, two rectangular holes cut on the top, one covered with foil and pinhole, and the other serving as a view hole. By positioning the foil side of the box over the shoulder with light streaming through the pinhole, an image of the sun will be projected onto the screen for viewing through the view hole. A bigger box will create a larger image for enhanced viewing during the eclipse.
These alternative methods for safely viewing the total solar eclipse allow individuals to enjoy the event even if they are unable to find reliable paper-framed glasses. By using simple household items and crafting supplies, anyone can create their own pinhole projector or box projector to project the image of the eclipse onto a surface for viewing. It is important to remember that during totality when the sun is completely obscured by the moon, it is safe to view the sun directly with the naked eye. However, it is crucial to stop looking at the sun as soon as it reappears to prevent damage to the eyes.
