For those eager to witness the marvels of celestial events like solar eclipses without risking eye damage, crafting a simple pinhole projector offers a safe and accessible solution.

According to NASA, although the eclipse is marvel and a wonder to behold, safety should remain the No. 1 priority. This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for creating and using a DIY pinhole projector, ensuring a memorable viewing experience while prioritizing safety.

Materials needed:

• Two pieces of cardboard, cardstock or sheets of plain paper (the stiffer the material the better)
• A thumbtack, sharp pin or needle

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pinhole: Begin by taking one of the pieces of cardboard or paper and creating a small hole in the center using a pin, thumbtack or needle. Ensure the hole is round and smooth for optimal projection.
2. Positioning: With your back toward the sun, hold the piece of cardboard or paper with the pinhole above your shoulder, allowing sunlight to shine through the pinhole.
3. Projection: Use the second piece of cardboard or paper as a screen. Lighter colors work better as the screen. Hold it at a distance from the pinhole cardboard, and you'll observe an inverted image of the sun projected onto the screen through the pinhole.
4. Adjustments: To enlarge the projected image of the sun, increase the distance between the pinhole cardboard and the screen paper. Experiment with different distances until you achieve the desired size and clarity of the projected image.

Tip: If you have one handy you can use an easel to hold your projector (the sheet with the hole) in place. Just keep in mind not to block the lens (the hole) of the projector. You can also use an easel or chair to prop the screen (the sheet without the hole) on.

Important safety reminder:

Always maintain your back toward the sun while using the pinhole projector to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, which can cause eye damage. Also, make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated if you plan to be outside for a length of time. By following these simple steps, you can safely and effectively view the Sun's activities, whether it's a solar eclipse or a routine observation of our nearest star. Enjoy the wonders of the cosmos responsibly with this DIY pinhole projector.

Tip: Also check out shadows made by leaves, your fingers, a kitchen colander and more. The eclipse is a fun time to observe how different the shadows look from everyday objects.