How to make a pinhole projector to view the solar eclipse

Taking place on Wednesday (August 12) the eclipse will be the most coverage seen in the UK since 1999, when most of Cornwall and Devon experienced total coverage.

With most eclipse glasses sold out across the country, a pinhole projector offers a simple, homemade alternative to safely view the event.

Here is how to make one at home so you can still enjoy this week’s eclipse.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible in the UK this week (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

How to make a pinhole projector for the solar eclipse

A pinhole projector, which can be assembled using everyday materials, allows people to observe the eclipse indirectly by projecting an image of the Sun onto a surface, making it safe for the eyes.

The method works best for partial eclipses, where the Sun takes on a crescent shape as the Moon moves across it.

To make a basic pinhole projector, all you need is two pieces of white card.

Poke a small hole in one piece and hold it above the other, with your back to the Sun.

The sunlight passing through the hole will project a small image of the Sun onto the second card.

During the eclipse, the shadow of the Moon will be visible within this tiny, projected disc.

A colander or even the gaps between tree leaves can serve the same purpose, casting multiple crescent shapes onto the ground.

For those looking for a slightly more involved project, a box pinhole projector can also be constructed for a steadier view.

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses in the UK

You can buy certified solar eclipse glasses in the UK from reputable astronomy retailers, specialised online distributors, or general online marketplaces such as Amazon UK.

However, many retailers are seeing shortages in stock as people across the country rush to secure them ahead of the event on Wednesday evening.

People have been warned not to look at the eclipse without glasses, as they block out the Sun’s harmful rays.

Regular sunglasses are not safe to use, as they don’t have adequate UV protection to protect your eyesight.

Adequate glasses should have safety certification ‘ISO 12312-2′ or ‘ISO 12312-2:2015’ printed somewhere on them.

There are other ways of viewing it, such as a solar telescope or watching official live streams, one of which is being run by the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG).

What time will the solar eclipse be in the UK?

What time the solar eclipse will peak will depend on where you are in the UK, but it will be somewhere between 7.02pm and 7.16pm.

Here are the estimated eclipse times for areas across the UK, according to the RMG:

• Edinburgh and Glasgow – begin at 6.08pm, peak at 7.05pm, end at 8pm
• Manchester and Liverpool – begin at 6.13pm, peak at 7.10pm,  end at 8.03-04pm
• Norwich and Birmingham – begin at 6.15pm, peak at 7.11pm, end at 8.04pm 
• London, Bristol and Cardiff – begin at 6.17pm, peak at 7.12pm, end at 8.06pm
• Truro, Cornwall – begin at 6.18pm, peak at 7.16pm, end at 8.10pm

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At its peak, enough of the Sun will be covered to make a noticeable difference in the temperature and light levels.

However, unlike with a total eclipse, the sky will not become dark – it will feel more like a cloudy day or close to dusk or dawn.

Will you be watching the solar eclipse this week? Let us know in the comments.