Solar Eclipse

I spent all day Saturday leading workshops on how to build solar eclipse viewers. I thought that I should share the instructions here. Enjoy the solar eclipse safely!

Solar Eclipse Pinhole Viewer

SUPPLIES:

1. Small cardboard box
2. Duct tape
3. Scissors
4. Extra piece of cardboard
5. Piece of white cardstock
6. Aluminum foil
7. Thumb tack

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Get a small cardboard box and close one side of the box. Seal that end with a strip of duct tape making sure to cover any holes.
2. Leave the box with the sealed end facing up and on one of the smaller sides of the box measure a rectangle 1 inch from the top 3.5 x 2 inches. Draw it out and cut it out with your scissors.
3. Cut a rectangular piece of Aluminum foil bigger than the hole you just made, about 4 x 2.75 inches.
4. Tape this piece of aluminum foil over the hole placing tape around the edges of the foil.
5. Use the thumb tack to pierce the aluminum foil. A smaller hole is better.
6. Flip the box over with the open side facing up. Place the extra piece of cardboard over the opening on the side opposite the aluminum foil side. Make sure there is enough room to place your entire head inside the box. Use the duct tape to secure the cardboard to the opening of the box.
7. Use duct tape to cover any remaining holes where light may come into the box, the sides of the opening, etc.
8. On the inside of the box, across from the aluminum foil, secure with duct tape, a white piece of card stock.
9. Now you are ready to view the solar eclipse! Place your head in the box facing the white cardstock. You will need to point the pin hole towards the sun. Inside the box you will be able to see the Moon pass in front of the Sun!

Check out more information on the eclipse at NASA's website!