How to make a pinhole camera: NASA experts on how you can make a solar eclipse viewer
A pinhole camera is a simple, safe and free solution that will allow you to watch a solar eclipse — and all you need are a few basic household supplies
A pinhole camera is a simple, safe and free solution that will allow you to watch a solar eclipse — and all you need are a few basic household supplies
A pinhole camera is a simple, safe and free solution that will allow you to watch a solar eclipse — and all you need are a few basic household supplies
If you wish to see the total solar eclipse in April, you should arrange to get yourself a pair of special eclipse glasses that will protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun.
Related video above: Marvel at these photos from the last solar eclipse of the decade in 2019
While there are many places to purchase the glasses, whether locally or online, another fun way you can experience the eclipse is by using a pinhole camera.
A pinhole camera is a simple, safe and free solution that will allow you to watch a solar eclipse — and all you need are a few basic household supplies.
According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, anyone can make a pinhole camera. NBC5 followed these steps and had a working pinhole camera in under five minutes.
You will need:
- Two pieces of white card stock
- A small square of aluminum foil
- Tape
- A pin, paper clip or pencil
Start by folding your first sheet of card stock in half and cutting a square or rectangular hole in the middle using your scissors.
Then, tape a piece of foil over the hole, flip it over and poke a small hole in the center with your pin, paper clip or pencil, according to NASA.
It is important to remember that you should not use your new pinhole camera to look directly at the sun; NASA says pinhole cameras are not rated to protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays, so you should only use your camera for indirect viewing.
To test your camera, simply place the second piece of card stock on the ground and hold the piece with the aluminum foil over it. If the sun is behind you, you should be able to see a projected image on the card stock below.
Experiment by moving the paper farther or closer to the second piece on the ground to change the projected image.
If you want to learn more about how pinhole cameras work and other fun projects you and your kids can do to prepare for the total solar eclipse, check out NASA's explainer article.