1. Viewing through a CD

A recently discovered, groundbreaking method is to view the eclipse through a CD (compact disk). If the sun is still too bright when viewed through one CD, add a second one on top of it. This is the simplest method, because you don't' have to make anything.

2. Viewing through Solar Observation Sunglasses

The types of opticians shops and department stores that sell telescopes, as well as astronomy supply shops, sell solar observation sunglasses. These sunglasses are a special type, and they block more of the sun's rays than ordinary sunglasses. By no means should you use regular sunglasses to view the sun.

You can even make your own solar observation sunglasses!

Make eyeglass frames out of cardboard or some similar material and cut out holes for the lenses. Fill in the lens space with black and white photographic film that has been exposed and developed to solid black. The result is a terrific pair of homemade sunglasses.

You can have fun drawing pictures on the frame or painting it whatever color you like.

For safety's sake, limit your viewing to no more than one minute at a time. To ensure even greater safety, use two layers of film.

Please note that you must not use color film or chromogenic black and white film! By doing so, you could lose your eyesight.

3. Viewing with a Pinhole

Take a safety pin or similar instrument and make a small hole in a piece of paper (cardboard is a good alternative, since it doesn't bend). Use this to project the image of the partially eclipsed sun onto a flat surface (white paper provides the easiest viewing).

It's fun to poke a lot of holes to make letters and pictures. Be sure to try it.

Do not look at the sun through the holes! You could lose your eyesight!

During a partial eclipse, even sunlight streaming through the trees reflects the partially covered shape of the sun, so be sure to take a look at this phenomenon.

4. Viewing through Binoculars

Do not look at the sun through binoculars, except during a total eclipse! You will lose your eyesight!

Instead, set the binoculars on a tripod and project the light from them onto a sheet of white paper. You will be able to see the partial disk of the sun for yourself.

5. Viewing through a Refracting Telescope

When viewing an eclipse through a telescope, you must not look directly at the sun!

You can put a solar observation projection plate in a refracting telescope to observe the eclipse. The sun's rays will pass through the telescope and be reflected onto the projection plate.

Remember: by no means should you look directly at the sun through a telescope! You will lose your eyesight!