If you’re looking for how to make eclipse glasses, whether you’re gearing up to witness your inaugural solar eclipse or seeking to upgrade from a traditional pinhole projector, these do-it-yourself solar eclipse glasses are perfect for you. They are not only safe for direct solar observation but also straightforward to assemble.
What is a solar eclipse?
When sun, moon and earth all come in line and moon comes in between sun and earth. Due to this earth experiences a shadow. This results in the partial or full eclipse of the sun. This phenomenon is called a solar eclipse.
How to make your own eclipse safe glasses at home
Materials
You will need the following materials to create your DIY solar eclipse glasses:
- A large piece of poster board or card stock: This will serve as the main material for the glasses.
- A template for your glasses (draw an outline or print out a template): This template will guide you in cutting out the shapes for the glasses.
- A solar filter: This is essential for safe solar viewing, protecting your eyes from harmful rays.
- A roll of blue painter’s tape: Used for securing and assembling the glasses.
- Scissors: To cut out the shapes and materials as needed.
- A pen: For tracing and marking on the poster board or card stock.
Verify the Safety of Your Solar Filter Before Use
When considering solar filters, it’s crucial to choose from a limited selection of brands that have received NASA’s approval. This ensures the safety of yourself and your loved ones during solar events. It’s also important to understand what augmented reality is and how it works.
It’s important to note that while some household items are touted in online videos for safe solar viewing, many of these alternatives have been found to be unsafe. Therefore, it’s essential to verify the reliability of your sources before using any household item in your solar viewing project. Even the darkest sunglasses, if not certified to protect against the sun’s UV radiation, can jeopardize your safety.
Avoid using the following alternatives:
- Exposed color film
- Medical X-ray film
- Smoked glass
- CDs and floppy discs
For trusted solar filters, opt for high-quality, ISO certified solar films available from reputable suppliers such as Rainbow Symphony. These films are made from durable, scratch-resistant black polymer, providing a safe and clear view of the sun with a warm yellow/orange hue. Additionally, they can be used to safely convert binoculars, cameras, and telescopes into solar viewing devices.
Prep Your Frames
If you’re crafting your own frames, begin by placing poster board or card stock flat on a surface. Trace your outline or position a printed template on top. Once your paper is prepared, carefully cut out the frames using scissors. This will result in a rectangular piece with openings for your nose and eyes, along with two separate pieces for the ear handles.
If you’re reusing old 3D glasses, remove the existing lenses to proceed to the next step.
Other Steps:
- Get started by laying out your poster board or card stock on a flat surface. Draw out your frames using a template or by tracing, and carefully cut them out with scissors. This will give you the basic shape with holes for your eyes and a comfortable fit for your ears.
- Now, measure and cut the solar film with care. It’s crucial to cover the eye holes completely without tearing or scratching the film, as any damage can compromise its ability to protect your eyes. Leave a bit of extra film around the edges to ensure no light slips through.
- Once you’ve got your solar film cut to size, gently secure it onto your frames using blue painter’s tape. If you’re using poster board or card stock, make sure to tape down the earpieces securely as well.
- Time for a safety check! Head into a dark room, put on your glasses, and have a friend shine a flashlight towards you. Look out for any bright light leaking through the edges of the eye holes. The light should have a warm yellow or orange tint to confirm it’s safe for solar viewing.
- If you notice any leaks during the test, don’t worry! It’s better to find out now than during the eclipse. Simply go back, use a fresh piece of solar film, and re-secure it to your frames.
- Once your glasses pass the test without any leaks, you’re all set for the big event! Your homemade solar eclipse glasses are ready to safely enjoy the spectacle of the solar eclipse.