{
  "id": 584556,
  "title": "Three ways to watch the solar eclipse safely without glasses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/three-ways-to-watch-the-solar-eclipse-safely-without-glasses",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-11T16:29:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gdxyjnz3do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Despite shops running out of eclipse glasses and most online orders unable to arrive in time, there are still ways to safely observe the solar eclipse. In the UK, a partial eclipse will be visible, which is the country's most significant eclipse since 1999. Experts advise against looking directly at the Sun without protective eyewear, as sunglasses and dark goggles provide insufficient UV protection and can cause serious eye damage.\n\nThree methods are suggested for viewing the eclipse safely. Firstly, a pinhole projector can be created using a piece of card and a ballpoint pen. Hold the card in one hand and a blank piece of paper in the other, facing away from the Sun. Align the card and paper so an image of the Sun appears on the paper. This technique allows you to see the shadow cast on the Sun in a miniaturized form.\n\nSecondly, a colander can be used to create a similar effect to the pinhole projector. Hold the colander to the Sun and look away from the Sun while keeping your eyes protected. This method produces multiple images of the Sun and the cast shadow simultaneously, creating a kaleidoscope of solar views. An empty cereal box works well for making a pinhole viewer, providing a clearer image by blocking out surrounding sunlight.\n\nLastly, an empty cereal box can be repurposed as a pinhole viewer. Cut out a piece of paper to fit the bottom of the box, then tape it to the box's bottom. Open the box's top and attach a small square cutout to each half. Cut out a square of foil that covers the squares on the box's top, then tape it in place. Poke a small hole in the middle of the foil using a pin or needle. Stand with your back to the Sun and look through one of the open squares to see an image of the eclipse projected onto the box's bottom screen.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}