Step-by-step tutorial
Warning
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. Even a moment's viewing can damage your eyes forever! Even a partial solar eclipse can cause severe eye damage, so stay safe and always use a projector like this one for eclipse watching or solar viewing.
Tip
Eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth. This blocks the sun's light, casting a moon-shadow on the surface of the earth below. During most eclipses, the sun and the moon aren't quite lined up perfectly, so the sun's light is only partially blocked. During a partial solar eclipse, the sun appears crescent-shaped, like the moon. (When safely viewed through a projector, of course.) Very rarely, the sun and the moon line up perfectly, creating an amazing astronomical show for anyone standing in the path of the moon's shadow — a total solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses are very special events, but even a partial eclipse is an exciting chance to experience the moon's motion directly. So have fun — and safe — solar viewing!
Step 1
Set the box with the open side up. Tape white paper to one of the inside walls. This will be your projection screen.
Step 2
Near the bottom of the opposite side of the box, cut out a square hole. Cover the hole with a square of tin foil, then use a pushpin to poke a tiny hole in the foil.
Step 3
Fold the box flaps closed. Then, on the side near the tin foil, cut the flaps so that you can fit your head through the hole. When you’re done cutting, tape up the box.
Step 4
Lift the box over your head with the pinhole behind your head. Stand with your back to the Sun and look at the paper projection screen. You’ll see a projection of the Sun inside the box! And if there’s an eclipse, you can safely watch the moon move across the Sun.
Tip
If you can’t see the projection clearly, you may need to tape up gaps at the corners of the box to prevent light from leaking in. You can also tape or staple a dark piece of fabric to the box so that it drapes around your shoulders. This will help block out even more light and give you an ever clearer view.