Solar Eclipse Today! Make a quick Cereal Box Solar Eclipse Viewer Pinhole Projector

Please be careful today when watching the Solar Eclipse cross over North America. Even though the Adirondacks only expect to be at about 63-67% totality (the moon covering the sun), the harshness of the sun's rays will still do damage to your eyes if you do not wear the proper protection.

To see what time the Solar Eclipse is happening in your area, click here. 

According to the NASA website, during a solar eclipse the moon aligns with the sun, temporarily blocking out some or all of the sun's rays.

Why is it important to wear proper protective eye wear? 

1) The sun will literally burn your eyes.
2) Since the sun is partially blocked, people may think the sun's rays are not harmful. That is not true. With the sun partially blocked, people have a false sense of security. Proper eye protection is required.
© TIME magazine: 1960s school children view solar eclipse
with cardboard box
3) Solar retinopathy occurs when ultraviolet light from the sun floods the retina, scarring your eyes. It was been equated to getting a sunburn. As little as two minutes of staring into the sun can cause permanent damage to the eye.

Q: I wasn't able to get Solar Eclipse Glasses? 
You can still watch the eclipse through a cardboard box, cereal box, or using cardstock

Trace and cut out a rectangle the
size of the bottom of a
cereal box
Materials:
cereal box, aluminum foil, tape, scissors, pushpin 
Glue the rectangle to the inside bottom
of the cereal box

1) Trace the bottom box onto white paper

2) cut out the rectangle and glue it to the inside bottom on the cereal box

3) cut out two square holes
from the top of the box, leaving the center intact.

4) Cover one square hole with foil, taping it so no light can enter
Add caption

5) place the thumbtack through the middle of the foil

6) Look through the other square hole. Using the tape, try to tape any other holes that may be allowing in light

7) Go outside and stand with the sun behind you

8) Line up the sun so the sun shines through the pinhole

9) Using a larger box will show a larger projection.  

Have the sun behind you and look for the
beam of light and wait for the eclipse! 
© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook series. Adirondack Family Time™guidebooks have easy, short Adirondack family hikes for ADK kids, parents, retired, seniors, dog-owners, Adirondack swimming holes, Lake Placid Olympic activities, Adirondack trivia, Adirondack horseback rides, Adirondack snowshoe family trails and more. Look for the Adirondack family guidebooks online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the next Adirondack Family Activities™ guide.

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