{"id":50197,"date":"2023-10-12T12:33:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T12:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/56d89f5c-52ca-4b41-be03-cd5102d7b574"},"modified":"2023-10-12T13:32:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T13:32:35","slug":"how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse\/","title":{"rendered":"How to safely view a solar eclipse"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse? <\/p>

By Ezzy Pearson\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 12 October 2023 at 12:33 PM<\/p>

\n\n

If there’s an upcoming solar eclipse event near you, it pays to explore what options you have to safely view a solar eclipse.<\/p>

A solar eclipse<\/a> is a wonderful thing.<\/p>

Those of us who have been lucky enough to witness totality are well aware of the ethereal, life-changing moment that occurs when darkness descends and the the Moon blocks out the light from our host star the Sun.<\/p>

Of course, not all solar eclipses are total solar eclipses. Depending on where you view the eclipse, you many only see a partial solar eclipse.<\/p>

If you’re getting ready for the October 14 annular eclipse<\/a> or the April 8 2024 solar eclipse<\/a>, read on for our guide on how to view them safely.<\/p>

Find out when the next eclipse<\/a> is taking place<\/strong><\/em><\/li><\/ul>
Video: Safely observing a solar eclipse<\/strong><\/h2>
<\/div><\/figure><p>When observing the Sun, safety is key. You should never observe the Sun with the naked eye or with homemade equipment.<\/p><p>Only ever use certified solar filters, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/top-astronomy-kit\/best-solar-telescopes\">solar telescopes<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/top-astronomy-kit\/best-solar-eclipse-glasses\/\">eclipse glasses<\/a> to view the Sun or a solar eclipse.<\/p><p>Here are some ways you can safely observe a solar eclipse.<\/p><h2 id=\"h-4-ways-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse\"><strong>4 ways to safely view a solar eclipse<\/strong><\/h2><h3 id=\"h-projection-through-a-colander\"><strong>Projection through a colander<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A regular kitchen colander can be used to project an eclipse onto a piece of white paper or card. Photo by Jessica Rinaldi\/The Boston Globe via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Simply hold up a kitchen colander during an eclipse and you will see that myriad small crescents \u2013 corresponding to the eclipsed phase of the Sun \u2013 are cast in the shadow.<\/p><p>Casting the image onto a white piece of card held about 50cm away will increase the contrast.<\/p><p>The only downside is the size of the crescents are quite small, so no details such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/astrophotography\/sun\/sunspots\/\">sunspots<\/a> can be seen.<\/p><h4 id=\"h-pros\"><strong>Pros <\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Cheap and easy<\/li><li>Great for large groups of people<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-cons\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Views are quite small<\/li><li>No detail can be seen apart from the crescents<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-equipment\"><strong>Equipment<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Colander<\/li><li>Piece of white card<\/li><\/ul><h3 id=\"h-eclipse-glasses\"><strong>Eclipse glasses<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2020\/06\/GettyImages-1169560785-3ac7016.jpg\" alt=\"Eclipse-chasers often use eclipse glasses as a safe way of observing a solar eclipse.\" class=\"wp-image-49966\" title=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Leo Patrizi \/ Getty – Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Simply put on your certified solar eclipse glasses and look up!<\/p><p>The glasses allow you to see the detail of the Sun with your own eyes, but unfortunately don’t allow you to take any photos.<\/p><p>Be sure to check the lenses for scratches and tears first.<\/p><h4 id=\"h-pros-1\"><b>Pros<\/b><\/h4><ul><li>Easy<\/li><li>Can see some of the Sun’s detail<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-cons-1\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Cannot take images<\/li><li>Cannot see as much detail as with a solar telescope<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-equipment-1\"><strong>Equipment<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Get a pair of solar eclipse glasses from a certified retailer. Accept no substitutes!<\/li><\/ul><h3 id=\"h-view-through-a-white-light-filter\"><strong>View through a white light filter<\/strong><strong\/><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2020\/05\/How-to-make-a-white-light-solar-filter-05-f0a0155.jpg\" alt=\"Using a white light filter on your telescope is a safe way of observing a solar eclipse.\" class=\"wp-image-48597\" title=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>One of the best ways to safely a solar eclipse is to fit a white light filter over the front of your telescope.<\/p><p>Filters are relatively simple to make using sheets of certified solar film cut to size.<\/p><p>Once you\u2019ve made your filter, you must check it for pinprick holes and tears each time you\u2019re about to fit it.If you find any, discard the filter and make a new one.<\/p><p>Make sure that the mask fits over the entire aperture and that no light can leak around its edges<\/p><p>When you use the filter, it\u2019s important to also remove or cap your telescope\u2019s finder.<\/p><p>Always make sure the telescope is pointing away from the Sun before fitting the filter.<\/p><p>When you\u2019re done observing, do the same \u2013 aim the telescope away from the Sun before removing it.<\/p><h4 id=\"h-pros-2\"><strong>Pros <\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Can be adapted to fit any telescope<\/li><li>Quick and portable option<\/li><li>Can see good detail on the Sun<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-cons-2\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Requires careful construction (if in doubt, don’t attempt!)<\/li><li>Materials used are perishable and must be checked for defects<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-equipment-2\"><strong>Equipment<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Solar safety film<\/li><li>Card<\/li><li>Sticky tape<\/li><li>Telescope<\/li><\/ul><h3 id=\"h-view-in-hydrogen-alpha\"><strong>View in Hydrogen Alpha<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"940\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2019\/05\/FL3_Main2-32e9c9b.jpg\" alt=\"If you want to safely observe a solar eclipse up-close, a solar telescope is a great option.\" class=\"wp-image-29629\"\/><\/figure><p>A variety of manufacturers offering dedicated hydrogen-alpha telescopes or filter sets that fit onto regular telescopes.<\/p><p>A dedicated hydrogen-alpha refractor offers the easiest and most affordable way to see our star in this way.<\/p><p>All you need is a suitable mount and eyepiece to get observing.<\/p><p>If you already own a good refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, it is possible to buy an etalon filter system to go on the objective lens, and used with a blocking filter on the rear of the scope it offers excellent views.<\/p><p>Whichever method you choose hydrogen-alpha views are simply stunning, with a wealth of features on show.<\/p><h4 id=\"h-pros-3\"><strong>Pros <\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Great levels of detail<\/li><li>Options available for using regular scopes<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-cons-3\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>More expensive than other methods<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-equipment-3\"><strong>Equipment<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>A hydrogen alpha refractor<\/li><li>Or an etalon filter system<\/li><\/ul><h3 id=\"h-use-a-solar-projection-screen\"><strong>Use a solar projection screen<\/strong><\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"878\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2021\/01\/GettyImages-57206006-d157f73-e1610550192577.jpg\" alt=\"A projection screen is a great way to safely observe a solar eclipse.\" class=\"wp-image-57561\" title=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The projections of a partial solar eclipse in New Delhi, India, 29 March 2006. CreditL Manan Vatsyayana\/AFP via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>It is possible to project a view of the Sun or a solar eclipse onto a screen, allowing for safe observation of our host star.<\/p><p>For more info, find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/advice\/make-a-solar-projection-screen\/\">how to make a solar projection screen<\/a>.<\/p><h4 id=\"h-pros-4\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Incredibly safe, as you are observing the Sun indirectly<\/li><li>Good for observing in groups<\/li><li>Easy and safe for children to see<\/li><\/ul><h4 id=\"h-cons-4\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Requires a bit of preparation<\/li><li>Lack of detail on solar surface<\/li><\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":50198,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"4"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse.jpg",2121,1414,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2023\/10\/how-to-safely-view-a-solar-eclipse-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/50197"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}