How to Watch the Eclipse Safely Without Solar Glasses

The UK and other parts of Europe are preparing to witness the most significant solar eclipse since 1999 later today, as the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking its light.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's orbit takes it directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow that either partially or completely obscures the Sun's disc from view. This alignment is relatively uncommon, which explains the widespread interest in today's event across the continent.

Safety remains a key concern for anyone hoping to observe the phenomenon. Astronomers and health experts have repeatedly warned that staring directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent damage to the eyes, including a condition sometimes called solar retinopathy.

The recommended method for safe viewing involves specialised solar glasses, which are fitted with filters strong enough to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation as well as intense visible light. These glasses allow observers to look directly at the Sun without risking harm.

However, not everyone has access to these glasses, particularly given the short notice many people have had before the event. Fortunately, there are alternative techniques that require no specialised equipment at all.

One widely recommended approach is the use of a pinhole projector, a device that can be made at home using little more than card and paper. By allowing sunlight to pass through a small hole onto a surface, the projector creates an indirect image of the eclipse, allowing safe observation without ever looking at the Sun itself.

Other indirect methods, such as using a colander or even the gaps between fingers to cast multiple pinhole images onto the ground, have also been suggested as effective alternatives.

Given the rarity of an eclipse of this scale being visible from the UK, interest across the country and wider Europe has been considerable, with many people making preparations to view the event safely from their homes, gardens or public spaces.