Eclipses are one of nature’s most spectacular displays, and watching a solar eclipse is a thrilling experience. However, the safety of your eyes should always be your top priority. You can’t look at the sun directly without serious risk to your eyesight. Commercially available solar eclipse glasses are a popular choice, but did you know you can make your own with shade 14 welding circles? Let’s dive into how you can do this.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST: WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Heavy stock paper or cardboard
Scissors or a craft knife
Tape or glue
A pen or marker
A ruler or straight edge
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
As you prepare for the next solar eclipse, use this step by step to make your DIY Solar Eclipse Glasses.
1: Gather Your Materials:
First, ensure you have all the necessary materials. The most crucial part is the shade 14 welding circles, as they are the only safe filter to look directly at the sun.
2: Design Your Frames:
Using heavy stock paper or cardboard, design the frames for your glasses. You can get creative here! They can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the welding circles securely.
3: Cut Out the Frames:
Once you have your design, use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the frames. If you’re doing this with children, adult supervision is essential.
4: Mark the Position for the Circles:
On the frames, mark where the welding circles will go. Ensure the circles will align with your eyes when you wear the glasses.
5: Attach the Welding Circles:
Carefully tape or glue the welding circles to the inside of the frames where you’ve marked. Be sure not to scratch or damage the circles.
6: Assemble the Glasses:
Once the circles are securely attached, finish assembling your glasses. If your design has arms, attach them securely so they can hold the glasses on your face.
7: Test Your Glasses:
Before the eclipse, test your glasses in a safe environment. Look at a bright light and ensure no light leaks through the material around the welding circles. Remember, safety is key!
SAFETY TIPS:
Do not use the glasses if the welding circles are scratched or damaged.
Do not substitute the shade 14 welding circles with any other material, as they may not provide adequate protection.
Never look at the sun through binoculars, a telescope, or a camera while wearing these glasses.
CONCLUSION
Creating your own solar eclipse glasses can be a rewarding project, especially if you’re preparing for an eclipse viewing party or an educational event. Remember, while making your DIY glasses can be fun, ensuring they are safe is crucial. Enjoy the wonders of the solar eclipse safely with your custom-made glasses!
Remember, this blog is for informational purposes only. Ensure that any DIY solar eclipse glasses you make are safe and meet all necessary safety standards to protect your eyes from harm.