Three ways to watch safely without glasses
With some shops running out of stock, it may be too late to buy eclipse glasses - but you can still safely watch the spectacle using some household items.
As the partial solar eclipse approaches, many will be seeking ways to observe the celestial event safely without relying on specialized eclipse glasses. Experts emphasize that staring directly at the Sun can cause serious damage to one's eyesight. Here are three alternative methods for viewing the eclipse without glasses.
One method involves creating a pinhole projector. A simple card with a tiny hole, made using the tip of a ballpoint pen, can be held near a blank sheet of paper. By positioning the projector correctly, a small image of the eclipsed Sun will appear on the paper, allowing safe observation.
Another technique utilizes a colander. Folding a colander over a piece of paper and holding it between the Sun and the paper creates a kaleidoscope of images, each depicting the Sun and its shadow. This method, recommended by eye specialist David Jones, allows multiple mini-images of the eclipse to be viewed at once.
Finally, an empty cereal box can be transformed into an effective pinhole viewer. By cutting a small square in the top of the box, fitting a paper screen at the bottom, and poking a hole in foil that covers the square, a safe image of the eclipse can be projected onto the paper. This method offers a clearer image than the colander technique.
Regardless of the method used, it is crucial to avoid direct eye contact with the Sun. Special solar filters or eclipse glasses are essential for any prolonged viewing.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
