There will be a partial solar eclipse in Bangkok on Wednesday, 9 March, from 6.38am to 8.32am, with a peak at 7.32am. Those planning to watch it with their kids should make sure everyone’s eyes are properly protected (never stare directly at the sun, even with sunglasses or other makeshift methods such as blackened glass). Here are instructions for making an easy pinhole projector, which safely screens the image of the sun onto a piece of paper.
You will need:
- 2 pieces of stiff white cardboard, such as two paper plates
- A sharp pin or tack
First, take one plate and make a very small round hole in the middle of it using a pin. With your back turned towards the sun, hold this plate above your shoulder, allowing the sun to shine onto the plate. Take the second plate, which acts as the screen, and hold it at a arm’s length so that an inverted image of the sun is projected on it through the pinhole.
This should display a clear image of the sun as it disappears behind the orbiting moon. To make the image of the sun larger, move the screen further away from the pinholed sheet. You may need the help of another person.
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Photo Credit: Time & Date and Irish Times
