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ScienceNature239 words2 min read

How to Watch the Eclipse Safely Without Solar Glasses

a solar eclipse in the dark sky
Photo by Steve Busch on Unsplash
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Listen to the story

The UK and Europe are getting ready to see a big solar eclipse later today. This will be the best eclipse seen in the UK since 1999. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The Moon blocks some or all of the Sun's light.

Many people across Europe will look up to watch this rare event. However, experts warn that looking directly at the Sun can seriously damage your eyes. This is true even when the Sun is partly covered by the Moon.

The safest way to watch an eclipse is with solar glasses. These are special glasses made with dark filters. They block harmful light from the Sun and protect your eyes completely.

But not everyone owns a pair of solar glasses. Fortunately, there are other simple methods people can use to watch the eclipse without any risk. These methods do not need any special equipment bought from a shop.

One popular method involves making a small hole in a piece of card. This creates a simple pinhole projector. Light from the eclipse passes through the hole and creates an image on a surface behind it. This way, people can watch the eclipse indirectly and safely.

This eclipse has created a lot of excitement because such events are rare. Many people across the UK and Europe are planning to step outside and witness this special moment in the sky.

Vocabulary3 words

solar eclipse
when the Moon covers the Sun and blocks its light
solar glasses
special dark glasses that let you look at the Sun safely
pinhole projector
a simple tool with a small hole that shows a picture of the Sun

Quiz

1. What is a solar eclipse?
2. Why should people not look directly at the Sun during an eclipse?
3. How does a pinhole projector work?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

The UK and Europe are getting ready to see a big _____ later today.

This will be the best eclipse seen in the UK since _____.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the _____.

Experts warn that looking directly at the Sun can seriously damage your _____.

The safest way to watch an eclipse is with solar _____.

These are special glasses made with dark _____.

Not everyone owns a pair of solar _____.

One popular method involves making a small hole in a piece of _____.

This creates a simple pinhole _____.

People can watch the eclipse _____ and safely.

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How to Watch the Eclipse Safely Without Solar Glasses - Practice English with News