On Wednesday, August 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK, with around 90 per cent of the sun blocked from view. As eclipse glasses sell out online, a DIY pinhole projector offers a safe and simple alternative for witnessing the event.
What to Expect from the August 12 Eclipse
Stargazers in London are in for a treat tomorrow evening, as a partial solar eclipse is set to light up the city's skies – and it's an event you won't want to miss. This Wednesday, August 12, the UK will find itself in the path of what promises to be the most breathtaking solar eclipse seen in almost 30 years. While Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain will experience totality, those across the UK will be treated to a deep partial eclipse, with around 90 per cent of the sun blocked from view.
The last total eclipse visible from UK shores took place in August 1999, when Cornwall and parts of Devon were plunged into totality. Total solar eclipses only return to the same spot on Earth once every 360 to 410 years, with the next total eclipse over any part of the UK not anticipated until 2090 – making this week's celestial spectacle your best chance to witness anything close to totality.
Why You Need Protection
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, partially or entirely blocking the sun's light. Despite the sun being hidden behind the moon, it remains extremely hazardous to look directly at an eclipse without suitable eye protection. One of the safest ways to view the eclipse is through specially designed eclipse glasses, which provide significantly stronger UV protection than standard sunglasses, allowing you to observe the sun directly without causing damage to your eyes.
If you're unable to get hold of these glasses – particularly given that many online retailers have sold out – a DIY pinhole projector offers a far safer alternative for watching the eclipse, reports Glasgow Live. Twinkl Resources shared a step-by-step video on TikTok detailing exactly how to build your own pinhole projector. The process is remarkably simple, and with children at home during the summer holidays, it's a fantastic opportunity to spend an afternoon getting them involved in crafting their own projectors before the eclipse arrives.
How to Make a Pinhole Projector
You will need: a cardboard box, a white piece of paper, glue or sticky tape, some kitchen foil, and a pair of scissors.
Step-by-step: Grab a cardboard box. Cut out a white piece of paper and stick it down to one side of the box. On the opposite side of the box to the paper, cut out two square holes. Cover one square hole with kitchen foil, sticking it down with tape. Use a pin to poke a small hole in the centre of the foil. Make sure the box is completely sealed at the top, so the only gaps are the pin hole and the empty square.
How to Use a Pinhole Projector
On the day of the eclipse, head outside and position yourself with your back to the sun. Angle yourself so that the sunlight falls directly onto the kitchen foil, allowing light to pass through the pinhole you've created. Hold the box up to your face and look through the second square hole. You should be able to see the sun's image projected onto the white paper at the far end of the box – this is where you'll witness the eclipse taking place.
Other Safe Viewing Options
The most reliable method of viewing an eclipse without a pinhole projector is to wear specialist eclipse glasses. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, your glasses must display a safety certification marked either 'ISO 12312-2' or 'ISO 12312-2:2015'. Those planning to use old glasses should take care, as worn or scratched lenses may no longer provide adequate protection. For anyone who would prefer to watch from the comfort of their own home, the Royal Observatory will be live streaming the eclipse live on August 12, offering a free broadcast of the spectacle from London.
