Eclipses explained

How to use binoculars to safely project the crescent Sun during the eclipse

A pair of binoculars, a tripod and some cardboard is all you need to make a solar projector

Solar eclipses take time. Do you want to look at the Moon slowly cross the Sun, then move away, for almost three hours, all the while wearing solar eclipse glasses? Didn’t think so.

So why not use binoculars to safely project the crescent Sun?

Here’s what you need:
1 – Any pair of binoculars with tripod thread.
2 – Tripod (optional).
3 – A3-sized cardboard x2 (one should be white).
4 – Scissors.

 

How to make it:
1 – Trace around the lenses of the binoculars on one a sheet of the cardboard.
2 – Cut out the holes, and fit the cardboard over the binoculars.
3 – Remove only ONE of the lens caps.
4 – Aim the binoculars at the Sun without looking at it.
5 – Put the other sheet of cardboard on the floor, in the shadowed area caused by the first sheet of cardboard.
6 – A large, magnified image of the crescent Sun will appear on the cardboard on the floor.
Remember, it is very dangerous to look at the sun through binoculars. You must never do this. These instructions are for viewing a projection of the sun only.