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The total solar eclipse is coming up. On Monday, April 8, starting at 3:13 p.m. and lasting for just under four minutes, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light.

This is the first time since 1806 that a total solar eclipse will be visible in Ohio. Some preparation is needed to safely view this spectacle. You should never look directly at the sun, and that is especially important during the eclipse.

One way scientists recommend safely watching the eclipse is to use a pinhole camera. Signal Cleveland talked with Andy Pallotta, public programs specialist with the Great Lakes Science Center, to learn how to make one at home.

How to make a pinhole camera

The materials you need to make a pinhole camera to safely view a solar eclipse.
Credit: Jeff Haynes / Signal Cleveland

These are the materials you will need:

  • Black construction paper 
  • Wax paper
  • Tape 
  • Scissors
  • A pin

Step 1

Take your paper and fold it into four equal sections, lengthwise.
It may be easiest to fold it in half and then fold it in half again.

Step 2

Cut along the bottom, removing 2 to 3 inches from the first three sections only.

Step 3

Fold all the paper together so the edges meet and form a rectangle-shaped tube.

Tape all the sides together. Fold over the extra paper from the last section to close the bottom of the tube.

Be careful to cover all the edges so no light can get in the sides or the bottom of your tube.

Step 4

Tape wax paper over the open end of your tube. Again, be careful to tape all the edges so no light can get in.

Step 5

Flip your pinhole camera over and poke a hole in the black paper with the pin.

Now you have a pinhole camera.

Cleveland is counting down to the solar eclipse. The Great Lakes Science Center will host events on April 8.
Cleveland is counting down to the solar eclipse. The Great Lakes Science Center will host events on April 8. Credit: Jeff Haynes / Signal Cleveland

More total solar eclipse safety

There are special eclipse glasses designed to allow you to safely view the event, but they are in short supply. If you are lucky enough to get a pair, NASA recommends checking for a label that says the glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard.

Even if your glasses are marked with the correct ISO rating, the agency says it is important for everyone to test their glasses before use. See how in this video:

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TOTAL ECLIPSE FEST 2024

April 6-8, 2024

The Great Lakes Science Center, and its partner NASA Glenn Research along with The Cleveland Orchestra will host Total Eclipse Fest 2024 from April 6-8 at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland. 

The three-day celestial celebration is free and family-friendly. It will feature concerts, performances, speakers, and hands-on science activities with community partners.

Find additional news and information about the April 8 solar eclipse here.

Managing Editor, Community + Collaborative Media (she/her)
I look for innovative ways to center news on community interests so more Clevelanders can have positive, direct interactions with journalists. I seek out different opinions, support emerging journalists, and teach community writing and story development so people can tell their own stories, build their own power and make the change they want to see.

Multimedia Director (he/him)
I create content that is understandable, approachable, entertaining, creative, and often educational. The content always keeps Northeast Ohio residents in mind, explaining gatekeeping jargon, not relying on it.