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No eclipse glasses? How to make a pinhole projector box to view total solar eclipse

With many Americans in the path of totality struggling to get their hands on solar eclipse glasses, you can create your own pinhole projector following these steps!

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — If you haven't gotten a pair of solar-safe sunglasses to view April's total solar eclipse on Monday, time is running out!

Remember, those shades are the only way to look directly at the sun without seriously damaging your eyes during the eclipse.

GUIDE | Everything you need to know about April's solar eclipse: Totality times, path, safety, best locations

However, if you can't get your hands on those, you can make an eclipse pinhole projector box at home, which could be a fun project for the whole family this weekend. Plus, you probably already have most of the items you will need laying around the house.

Here's what you will need:

  • A cereal box 
  • Aluminum foil 
  • White paper 
  • Tape 
  • A push pen 
  • Scissors 

How to build DIY eclipse pinhole projector

1. Trace the bottom of the cereal box on a piece of white paper and cut the paper out.

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VISUAL | Step one: Trace bottom of cereal box on white paper and cut it out.

2. Tape the paper to the inside of the bottom of the box and seal the top. 

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VISUAL | Step two: Place strip of paper inside bottom of cereal box, close the box.

3. Cut two rectangular holes into the top left and right of the box. 

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VISUAL | Step three: Cut two rectangular holes on the top left and right of the box.

4. Cut a piece of aluminum foil to cover the left hole and tape in place. 

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VISUAL | Step four: Tape aluminum foil over the left hole on top of box.

5. Using the push pin, poke a pinhole  in the center of the foil on top of the box.

Credit: WHAS11 News
VISUAL | Step five: Poke a hole in the aluminum foil using a push pin.

Once you've completed those steps, you can turn your back to the sun and look into the right hole that isn't covered with aluminum. you should see the sun's light coming through the pin hole. 

Credit: WHAS11 News
VISUAL | Final: Turn away from sun and look into open hole on top of box. Make sure the sun's light is coming through the hole in the piece of foil.

When the eclipse begins, you will watch a projection of the eclipsed sun on the paper inside of the box. 

Happy viewing!

Remember, never look directly at the sun with the naked eye. Doing so could cause permanent damage to your eye.

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