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DIY: Here’s how to make your own viewing device for the total solar eclipse

Must have approved solar glasses or projection device to view eclipse

ORLANDO, Fla. – In order to safely view the April 8 eclipse, you must take the necessary precautions to do so safely. To view the partial portion of a solar eclipse, where a piece of the sun remains uncovered at all times, you must have approved solar glasses or make your own projection device.

These devices can be made easily with household items that you likely already have in your home. This also makes for a fun project with the kids!

Make your own eclipse projector

The main component is a box. Any size or box will work. A cereal or shoe box work great.

You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pencil.

DIY Eclipse

Step 1: Cut two square holes in the same side of the box.

Cut two holes in the box

Step 2: Tape a piece of aluminum foil on one of the holes. Using the pencil, poke a small hole in the foil.

Place foil on one of the holes and poke a small hole

Step 3: Inside the box, opposite of the holes, tape a white piece of paper. This is where the eclipse will be projected. Close up the box.

Tape a white piece of paper on the back of the box.

With your back to the sun, angle the box so that the holes are pointing toward the sun. Look in the open hole and you will see the eclipse projected onto the computer paper in the back of the box.

How the projection looks

You can also take a piece of cardboard or paper and poke a hole into and project the eclipse on the ground.

Listen to Talk To Tom in the media player below:


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