How To Make Homemade Solar Eclipse Glasses

Witness the celestial spectacle of a solar eclipse with the comfort of your own homemade glasses. Unlike store-bought glasses that can be expensive and hard to come by, constructing your own offers a cost-effective and accessible solution. Embark on this DIY project using readily available materials, ensuring a safe and unforgettable eclipse-viewing experience.

Essential to your solar eclipse glasses is the choice of filter material. Photochromic film, available online or at photography supply stores, darkens upon exposure to sunlight, making it ideal for blocking harmful ultraviolet rays. Alternatively, welder’s glass provides a consistent level of darkness and is commonly used in welding applications. Both materials offer excellent protection while allowing you to observe the eclipse clearly.

Once you have selected your filter material, the next step is to construct the glasses. Use cardboard or thick paper to create a simple frame that fits comfortably over your eyes. The frame should be large enough to cover your entire field of vision, blocking any stray light. Secure the filter material to the inside of the frame using tape or glue, ensuring a tight fit to prevent leakage of harmful light. With your homemade glasses complete, you can now safely enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of a solar eclipse.

Gathering Essential Materials

To embark on the captivating journey of creating your very own homemade solar eclipse glasses, you will require a select assortment of materials. Prioritizing both safety and effectiveness, it is crucial to procure the following items:

Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil, a ubiquitous household item, plays a pivotal role in this project. Its reflective properties serve as the rudimentary foundation for safely viewing the solar eclipse. It is recommended to procure aluminum foil that is at least 3 mils thick to ensure adequate opacity and durability. The additional thickness enhances its ability to block harmful solar radiation while maintaining sufficient flexibility for manipulation.

Thin Cardboard

Thin cardboard, preferably black or dark-colored, provides the structural framework for your solar eclipse glasses. Its rigidity ensures that the glasses maintain their shape, while its non-reflective surface minimizes internal glare and interference. Select cardboard with a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch for optimal balance between durability and flexibility.

Scissors or a Craft Knife

Precision cutting is essential for creating the desired aperture size and shape. A pair of sharp scissors or a craft knife equipped with a new blade will provide the necessary precision. Scissors are typically sufficient for cutting thin cardboard, while a craft knife may be more suitable for intricate cuts or thicker materials.

Adhesive

A strong adhesive, such as glue, tape, or double-sided tape, will be utilized to securely attach the aluminum foil to the cardboard frame. Choose an adhesive that offers a permanent bond but is also easy to apply and remove. Avoid using adhesives that may emit harmful fumes.

Optional: Template

For individuals seeking greater precision or uniformity in their glasses, a template can be utilized. Create a template using thicker cardboard or acrylic, ensuring that the aperture is sized appropriately for comfortable viewing. Trace around the template when cutting the aluminum foil and cardboard to achieve consistent results.

Preparing the Cardboard Base

1. Select High-Quality Cardboard

Opt for sturdy and firm cardboard, such as a cereal box, that can withstand the weather and the weight of the mylar. A solid base will prevent your glasses from becoming flimsy or breaking easily.

2. Cut Two Identical Squares or Rectangles

Using a ruler or straight edge, carefully cut out two equal-sized squares or rectangles from the cardboard. These should be large enough to fit comfortably over your eyes with some extra space around the edges.

Creating the Viewing Aperture

To create the viewing aperture, a small, precisely cut square or rectangle within the larger cardboard pieces, use the following steps:

Measure and mark the center of each cardboard piece.
Use a sharp craft knife or utility knife to carefully cut out a small square or rectangle from the center, ensuring it is uniform and clean-edged.
The viewing aperture should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.635 to 1.27 cm) in size. Smaller apertures yield a more focused view, while larger apertures provide a wider field of vision.

3. Join the Cardboard Pieces

Align the two cardboard pieces and use strong tape, such as duct tape or packing tape, to secure them together along the edges. Ensure that the viewing apertures are perfectly aligned. Reinforce the corners and edges with additional tape for added durability.

Applying Aluminum Foil

To start, cut a piece of aluminum foil slightly larger than the cardboard. Place the cardboard on a flat surface and center the aluminum foil over it. Use your fingers to smooth out the foil and remove any wrinkles or air bubbles. It’s important that the foil is tightly fitted around the cardboard to prevent any stray light from entering.

Next, create a small hole in the center of the foil using a needle or sharp object. This hole should be large enough to see the sun through, but not so large that it compromises the safety of your viewing experience. The recommended hole size is approximately 2-3 millimeters in diameter. To ensure accuracy, you can use a ruler or a measuring device to mark the desired hole location before puncturing the foil.

Once the hole is made, reinforce the edges with a thin layer of black electrical tape. This will prevent the foil from tearing or becoming damaged when handling the glasses. The tape also helps to create a more secure seal around the hole, further minimizing the risk of light leakage.

Materials	Quantity
Cardboard	1
Aluminum foil	1
Black electrical tape	Small amount
Scissors	1
Needle or sharp object	1

Cutting and Positioning the Viewing Hole

1. Use the provided template or carefully measure and draw a 3.8 cm (1.5″) circle on the center of the cardboard.
2. Cut out the circle using a sharp craft knife or scissors, making sure to hold the cardboard securely.
3. Align the viewing hole with the center of the aluminum foil and secure it in place using tape or glue.
4. Carefully make multiple small cuts around the perimeter of the viewing hole in the aluminum foil. Ensure that these cuts are evenly spaced and extend approximately 1 cm (0.4″) away from the edge of the hole. Make the cuts as small as possible to minimize light leakage.
5. Gently fold the cut aluminum foil strips back over the viewing hole, creating a small lip that will help to block out side light.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the second piece of aluminum foil and viewing hole, ensuring that both holes are aligned.
7. Position the two pieces of cardboard together, with the aluminum foil facing inward, and tape them securely around the edges.
8. Cut a small notch in the cardboard on one side to serve as a handle, allowing you to hold the glasses during the eclipse.

Creating a Viewing Shield

To create your own eclipse glasses, you will need a few materials:

A piece of black construction paper or cardboard (at least 12″ x 12″)
A sheet of aluminum foil (at least 12″ x 12″)
A pair of scissors
A ruler or measuring tape
A hole punch
A piece of white paper (optional)

Once you have your materials, follow these steps:

Cut out a 12″ x 12″ square from the black construction paper or cardboard.
Cover one side of the square with aluminum foil. Smooth out the foil to remove any wrinkles or creases.
Fold the square in half and crease the center.
Open the square flat and cut out two 1″ x 2″ rectangles from the corners opposite the crease. These will be the viewing holes.
Punch a small hole in the center of each of the viewing holes. The holes should be just large enough for you to comfortably look through, but not so large that sunlight can leak in.

Optional: If you want to make your glasses more comfortable to wear, you can glue or tape a piece of white paper to the inside of the glasses, opposite the viewing holes. This will help to reflect light away from your eyes.

Your homemade eclipse glasses are now complete! To use them, simply hold the glasses up to your eyes and look through the viewing holes.

Assembling the Glasses

6. Cut the Aluminum Foil

Take the aluminum foil and carefully cut two rectangular pieces, each measuring approximately 6 inches by 4 inches (15 centimeters by 10 centimeters). These will act as the filters for your eclipse glasses.

Using a utility knife or sharp scissors, cut the aluminum foil as precisely as possible to ensure a clean edge. Hold the foil taut and make sure your cuts are straight and even. Avoid any potential tears or holes that could compromise the effectiveness of the filter.

The precise size of the aluminum foil rectangles is flexible, but it’s recommended to maintain a size that covers the entire frame of the glasses and extends slightly beyond the edges. This provides a generous margin of protection to block any stray sunlight from entering the sides of the glasses.

**Additional Tips:**

Tip	Explanation
Use a new piece of aluminum foil	Avoid using crumpled or damaged foil as it may contain creases or imperfections that could affect the filter’s effectiveness.
Smooth the edges	Gently smooth the edges of the aluminum foil rectangles using your fingers or a flat surface to remove any sharp or jagged edges that could cause discomfort while wearing the glasses.
Overlap the rectangles	When placing the aluminum foil rectangles on the glasses, slightly overlap them to provide additional protection and eliminate any gaps that could allow sunlight to enter.

Reinforcing the Glasses

The cardboard frame you created for your eclipse glasses may be a bit flimsy. To reinforce them and make them more durable:

Laminate the frame: Cut a piece of clear contact paper to the size of the frame’s exterior. Peel off the backing and carefully apply the contact paper to the frame, smoothing out any wrinkles. Repeat this process for the frame’s interior.
Reinforce the edges: Apply a thin bead of hot glue or super glue along the edges of the frame. Allow the glue to dry completely and form a protective seal.
Add a viewing port: Cut out a small rectangular or circular hole from the center of one of the frame’s sides. This hole should be just large enough to accommodate your eye.
Cover the viewing port: Cut a piece of solar filter material to the size of the viewing port. Secure the filter material in place using masking tape or adhesive spray.
Attach the frame to a support: To prevent your glasses from slipping off your face, attach a length of elastic cord or a pair of elastic bands to the frame’s sides. This will help secure them around your head.
Store your glasses safely: When not in use, store your eclipse glasses in a protective case or box to prevent damage to the solar filter material.
Test your glasses: Before the solar eclipse, test your glasses by looking at the Sun through them. If you can see the Sun clearly but it is significantly dimmed, then your glasses are working properly.

Customizing and Decorating

Personalizing Your Solar Eclipse Glasses

Make your solar eclipse glasses unique by adding personal touches. Draw your favorite characters, write inspirational quotes, or decorate them with stickers or glitter. The possibilities are endless!

Decorating for Special Occasions

Create solar eclipse glasses that match the theme of a special occasion, such as a birthday party or holiday. Use festive colors, patterns, and designs to make them a memorable keepsake.

Tips for Enhancing Visibility

For optimal viewing, consider adding features to enhance visibility. Line the inside of the glasses with black or dark-colored paper to minimize light leakage. You can also cut out small viewing holes to focus your gaze on the eclipse.

Table of Decoration Ideas

Idea
Drawings of animals, people, or landscapes
Inspirational quotes or affirmations
Stickers or glitter in festive colors
Cut-out shapes of hearts, stars, or planets
Painted designs or patterns
Collages of magazine clippings or photographs
Embroidered or crocheted designs
Beaded or sequined embellishments

Verifying Safety

To ensure the safety of your homemade solar eclipse glasses, it is crucial to verify their effectiveness before using them.

9. Simulation Test

The simulation test involves replicating the sun’s intensity using a bright light source, such as a flashlight or a projector. Place the glasses between the light source and a piece of white paper. If the paper remains dark, it indicates that the glasses are blocking light effectively. Alternatively, you can use a solar simulator that mimics the sun’s spectrum and intensity.

**Additional Details:**

Position the glasses at least 2 meters away from the light source to simulate the sun’s distance from Earth.
Use a high-intensity flashlight or a projector set to its maximum brightness.
Ensure the paper is completely white and not reflective.
Do not look directly at the light source through the glasses.
If the paper shows any brightness or glare, the glasses are not safe to use for solar eclipse viewing.

Test	Result
Simulation Test	Paper remains dark
Visual Inspection	No scratches or damage
Manufacturer Verification	Verified by reputable source

Enjoying the Eclipse Safely

1. Cardboard

Cardboard is the best material for making solar eclipse glasses. It is sturdy and opaque, and it will block out all of the harmful UV rays from the sun.

2. Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is another good material for making solar eclipse glasses. It is also sturdy and opaque, and it will reflect even more of the sun’s harmful UV rays than cardboard.

3. Black Construction Paper

Black construction paper is a good option if you don’t have any cardboard or aluminum foil on hand. It is not as sturdy or opaque as the other materials, so you will need to make sure to double it up when you make your glasses.

4. Scissors

Scissors are essential for cutting out the shapes of your glasses.

5. Ruler

A ruler will help you measure and cut the materials for your glasses.

6. Pencil

A pencil will help you mark the shapes of your glasses on the materials.

7. Tape

Tape will help you hold the materials together to make your glasses.

8. Hole Punch

A hole punch will help you create the holes for the strings that will hold your glasses together.

9. String

String will help you tie your glasses together.

10. Instructions

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making your own solar eclipse glasses:

Cut out two pieces of cardboard, aluminum foil, or black construction paper that are 6 inches by 8 inches.
Fold each piece of material in half lengthwise.
Cut out two holes in each piece of material, one inch from the top and one inch from the bottom.
Tape the two pieces of material together along the sides and bottom.
Punch a hole in each side of the glasses, near the top.
Thread a string through the holes and tie it to hold the glasses together.
Enjoy the eclipse safely!

11. Tips

Here are some tips for using your solar eclipse glasses:

Make sure that the glasses fit snugly around your eyes.
Do not look directly at the sun for more than a few minutes at a time.
Take breaks from looking at the sun every few minutes.
Do not use your solar eclipse glasses if they are damaged.

Additional Information

The following table provides additional information about solar eclipse glasses:

Type of Material	Opacity	Sturdiness
Cardboard	Good	Good
Aluminum Foil	Excellent	Excellent
Black Construction Paper	Fair	Fair

It is important to note that solar eclipse glasses are not a substitute for ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses.

Solar eclipse glasses are a must-have for anyone who wants to safely view a solar eclipse. They can be purchased online or at most science museums, but they can also be made at home with a few simple materials.

To make your own solar eclipse glasses, you will need the following:

A pair of cardboard glasses
A piece of black construction paper
A piece of aluminum foil
A pair of scissors
A ruler
A pencil

Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to make your solar eclipse glasses:

Trace the shape of the cardboard glasses onto the black construction paper and cut out the shape.
Trace the shape of the cardboard glasses onto the aluminum foil and cut out the shape.
Glue the aluminum foil to the black construction paper.
Cut out two small slits in the top of the cardboard glasses.
Slide the aluminum foil over the cardboard glasses so that it covers the slits.
Wear your solar eclipse glasses to safely view the solar eclipse.

Your homemade solar eclipse glasses are now complete! Be sure to store them in a safe place until you are ready to use them.