Project the crescent Sun through a cardboard tube pinhole viewer

Jamie Carter
Jul 24, 2017 · 2 min read

A 48-inch cardboard tube, some tin foil and a pin is all you need to make a solar viewer

Solar eclipses take time. Do you want to look at the Moon slowly cross the Sun, then move away, for almost three hours, all the while wearing solar eclipse glasses? Didn’t think so.

So why not build a pinhole viewer, and make it a more social experience that’s less straining on the eyes?

All you need is:

Cardboard mailing tube. The longer the better

Tin foil

A pin

A craft knife

How to make it:

1 — Cut a 2″x2″ square viewing hole in one end of the tube, about 2″ from the end

2 — Cover the other end with tin foil & prick it with a pin. Keep the hole really small.

3 — With your back to the Sun, point the viewer end of the tube towards the floor, and the other end towards the Sun.

4 — Move the tube subtly until a projection of the crescent Sun appears on the bottom of the tube end.

5 — Share with others.

PS: Thanks for taking the time out to read my post! If you like my blog, please …
1) Leave a comment or press ❤ to recommend it
2) Share it with your network
3) Follow me for future posts (
@thenexteclipse)
5) Spend a few dollars on one of my
USA eclipse travel guides
6) Visit
www.WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com

Jamie Carter

Written by

Travel, tech & astronomy author & editor of www.WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com @thenexteclipse @jamieacarter

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade