You can’t just stare at the Sun, so how do you actually view an annular eclipse? There are a few safe ways to do it.
The 2023 US solar eclipse is an amazing sight to see. However, it will come as no surprise that you can’t just stare directly at the ‘ring of fire’, even the Sun is almost fully blocked out.
There are a few ways to safely view a solar eclipse, ranging from the use of household items, to some quick pre-eclipse purchases to make the experience better.
An annular eclipse sees the Sun almost fully blocked out, creating an effect that looks like a giant ring of fire in the sky. The upcoming October 14 solar eclipse is the last time such a celestial spectacle will be visible for the next 16 years.
Why can’t you look at an eclipse directly?
Because the Sun is partially covered, it is easy to assume this is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the Sun. However, while the intensity is reduced, it is still very dangerous to look at.
Looking at the Sun without proper eye protection during an eclipse can cause what is known as ‘eclipse blindness, better known as retinal burns or solar retinopathy. This exposure can damage cells in the retina that transmit what you see to the brain.
Damage can be temporary or permanent and occurs without any noticeable pain, making it something you will want to avoid.
How to view the annular solar eclipse safely
Solar eclipse glasses
For actually watching an eclipse, the best option is going to be getting your hands on a pair of certified solar eclipse glasses. While wearing these, the eclipse can be watched normally without any danger to the eyes.
Check the glasses for any scratches or tears before using, and make sure they are designed specifically for eclipses.
Watch on YouTube
NASA has a live broadcast event on YouTube (see below) for the Ring of Fire eclipse. From here, you’ll be able to watch the entire broadcast of the event.
This isn’t exactly the most authentic way to experience the eclipse, but it is the easiest and safest. If you don’t have any way of experiencing it yourself, you can always go online and watch a video of it happening.
Not only will there be coverage of the eclipse itself, but NASA will also air conversations with scientists and telescope views from around the world.
Pinhole camera
A pinhole camera is one of the more creative ways to watch a solar eclipse and can be a fun activity to do with children. All you need is two pieces of white card, some foil, tape and a pin, paper clip or pencil.
With this technique, the make-shift camera will form a projection on the piece of card. While it doesn’t allow for actually looking at the Sun, it is a much safer alternative, while still experiencing the magnitude of the eclipse.
NASA has a full guide on how to build your own pinhole camera.
Colander
Another homemade hack, a colander from your kitchen can be a useful tool to help you view the eclipse. Hold up the colander and you can see the collection of small crescents that match up to the eclipsed phase of the Sun.
This can be cast onto a piece of paper, but the downside is that the size of the crescents are quite small so no details such as sunspots can be seen.
Read more:
- Why are solar eclipses rarer than lunar eclipses?
- How far apart are the Sun, Moon and Earth during eclipses?