The month of March is ending with a bang – a total lunar eclipse and now a partial solar eclipse. This phenomenon starts at 10:48 am and will be visible for almost two hours. You can see it from almost anywhere, but don’t forget to protect your eyes.
Looking directly at the sun is always bad for your eyes, not just during an eclipse. Sunglasses won’t cut it – you need special glasses with an opacity index of 5 or higher. If you don’t have these, don’t look at the eclipse. But there are other ways to enjoy it safely.
Projecting the Solar Eclipse with Cardboard
The National Geographic Institute recommends viewing the eclipse by projection. You need two pieces of cardboard and something to make a small hole. Here’s how:
- Make a hole in one piece of cardboard.
- Stand with your back to the sun.
Projecting the Solar Eclipse with a Kitchen Strainer
If you don’t have cardboard, use a kitchen strainer or colander.
- Stand with your back to the sun, facing a white wall.
Projecting the Solar Eclipse with a Mirror
You can also use a flat hand mirror, paper, and something to make a hole.
- Cut a 5-10 mm hole in the paper.
- Cover the mirror with the paper.
- Angle the mirror so the sun reflects onto a shaded wall.
How do Eclipse Glasses Protect Your Eyes?
Eclipse glasses have special filters that block harmful radiation and reduce light intensity. The National Geographic Institute stresses that you should only use glasses approved by the European Community. These filters reduce the sun’s light by over 30,000 times.
