Viewing a solar eclipse is always a challenge and potentially can damage eyesight. The gleaming orb of solar intensity is difficult to look at anytime. Its intensity normally causes us to look away. To ensure safe viewing, use indirect methods, such as merely sitting under a tree. The overlapping branches, naturally produce tiny pinholes. Under a tree on any typical day, you’ll see patterns of shade and spots of light. These spots are images of the sun projected on the ground. During an eclipse, images of the eclipsed sun appear on the ground.
In this image notice the dozens of eclipse images that are displayed on the wood deck. On a windy day the images dance on the ground as the leaves respond to the changing air patterns.
Even in large group settings, such as schools, these indirect methods give everyone a continuous view of the slowly moving moon across the sun’s face.
In this view a student has made a hole in a paper plate. When held in sunshine, the plate casts a shadow and a tiny hole in the plate allows the eclipse to project through into the shadow made by the plate.
The famous solar projector made with a box that has aluminum foil that is place over a hole in the box. Multiple holes in the foil show a solar display.
Any object with multiple holes such as a straw hat (above) or colander will project a pattern of eclipses.
The solar image can be projected through a telescope or binoculars. Never look through the optical device, even with filters.
In this image the telescope has a white card for projecting the solar image.
Here a projection through binoculars shows two images of the eclipse.
For schools that are in session on eclipse day, show students how to view the eclipse safely. It would be an ideal time for students to build eclipse viewers, solar cookers and other solar projects so they can be outside to try out their work.