Celebrate the total solar eclipse

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that happens when, at just the right moment, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.

During a solar eclipse, the Moon partially or totally blocks Earth’s view of the Sun.

On April 8, the total solar eclipse will chart a 115-mile-wide path of totality across portions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Remember, you shouldn’t look directly at the Sun during an eclipse or it could damage your eyes. If you don’t have special viewing glasses, like the ones the boy is wearing on the left, you can create a viewing box (see activity below).

Learn about the science of a total solar eclipse from The Week Junior.

Build your own solar eclipse viewer

Getting to see a total solar eclipse is special because it doesn’t happen very often. The most important thing about watching an eclipse is making sure you do it safely. Never look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without protective eye gear. That’s because looking directly at the Sun can cause eye damage. If you don’t want to buy special eclipse glasses, you can make a pinhole projector! It’s easy and fun and will let you safely view this special event.

Learn how to make your very own pinhole projector.
 

We love Wow in the World! 

Our friends at Wow in the World have a special podcast episode all about the solar eclipse, “The Great Solar Eclipse Party.” You can also discover more fun activities from Tinkercast, such as hosting a solar eclipse party with this playlist or creating a solar eclipse simulation! Get more ideas from Mindy Thomas and The Week Junior.

Enter our giveaway!

To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, we are offering a solar eclipse giveaway! Enter for a chance to win!

Participants must be 18+.