Solar Eclipse Viewer

thingiverse

I was searching for a way to observe the upcoming solar eclipse that would work with my prescription glasses, but I couldn't find anything I liked, so I designed and built my own viewer. This viewer is made using a 4" x 8" piece of solar filter film (half of an 8" x 8" sheet available on Amazon). It's crucial to use only material specifically made for safe viewing of the sun. Using anything else can be extremely hazardous. I want to reiterate that this viewer should only be used with materials designed for safe solar viewing. There are some people who suggest using #14 welder's glass, but I strongly advise against it, even if you think it's #14, because it's difficult to confirm its authenticity. For more information on safe and unsafe ways to view the sun, check out these links: * http://perkins.owu.edu/solar_viewing_safety.htm * https://www.rasc.ca/tov/safety * https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety.html To assemble this viewer, start by attaching the bezel to the body with #6 machine screws and nuts, with the solar filter sandwiched in between (silver side facing outwards). I found it easiest to put the bezel down on my work surface with the flat side up, place the film on top of the bezel, and use an X-acto knife to cut holes in the film. Then insert the screws from the front (curved side) of the bezel through the holes in the film, and place the body on top. Finally, place each nut in its designated corner and tighten the screw down. The body and bezel should both be scaled to 4" x 8" to fit an adult face; you can scale it down slightly to make a child-sized one.