I know it is dangerous to look at the sun with unprotected eyes during
a solar eclipse so I would like to know some of the safe ways I can see
it.
You're right--you shouldn't look directly into the sun. The sun can
cause permanent damage even when 99% of its surface is blocked. It is
safe, though, to look through special filters. One of the more common
filters is number 14 welder's glass.
The easiest way to view an eclipse is by using two notecards. Poke a hole
in one notecard with a pin and let the sunlight shine through the hole
onto the second notecard. Hold the cards about half a meter apart. When
the sun in unobstructed you'll see a circle. As the moon moves in front
of the sun, you'll begin to see a crescent shape.
Submitted by Victoria (age 6, Auckland, New Zealand)
(September 8, 1997)
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Learn about Earth and space science, and have fun while doing it! The
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