A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, whereas a lunar eclipse happens when the earth passes between the sun and the full moon.
With the partial solar eclipse today, the moon will still pass between the sun and the earth, but it partially covers the sun.
Staring directly into the sun, even though it’s a partial eclipse, can cause serious damage to your eyes.
The damage is caused by too much radiation that can affect the retina, a light-sensitive layer which is important for sight.
Here’s how to view the eclipse without frying your eyes:
Use a water bucket:
This is the easiest way to view the eclipse today.
Grab a bucket and fill it with water. You can view the eclipse through the reflection in the bucket. It’s that easy!
Try a colander:
Your everyday kitchen colander and a piece of paper or cardboard can be used to view the eclipse.
You’ll need to stand with your back to the sun. Hold the colander in one hand and the paper in the other hand. The holes in the colander will allow you to see images on the paper.
Get a mirror:
Use a flat mirror that does not give a magnified view, a piece of paper and a clamp. Cover your mirror with the paper and create a 3mm to 5mm hole in the centre. Place the mirror towards the sun using a clamp. This can project images of the eclipse onto a wall or ceiling but remember the sun is moving, so you’ll need to change your angle.
You could also use dedicated eclipse glasses, a telescope or pinhole cameras.
But don’t attempt to view it through camera negatives, sweet wrappers, foil, your everyday sunglasses or even welder’s glasses.
