Families across Wales are preparing for the partial solar eclipse on August 12, expected to be visible across the UK. Health experts warn that visibility does not mean safety when looking up.
UKHSA guidance states that staring at the sun without specialist protection, such as eclipse glasses meeting international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E), can cause serious and permanent eye damage. For those without proper eyewear, an NHS consultant ophthalmologist has outlined simple alternatives.
Four safe methods, three without glasses
In a TikTok shared by Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Mr David Jones explained four safe methods, three of which do not require glasses. The approach involves projecting an image of the sun rather than looking directly at it.
First, certified eclipse glasses are an option, but Mr Jones cautioned that you 'should never watch the sun with anything else.'
Pinhole projection and colander trick
A quick method uses everyday items for pinhole projection: make a small hole in a piece of card (using a biro), then position it so the sun shines through onto a separate 'screen' like white card or paper.
Mr Jones also recommended using a colander to create multiple projections. Holding it up towards the sun while keeping your gaze away casts dozens of small sun-images onto the ground or another surface.
Cereal box viewer
The 'most sophisticated' suggestion involves turning an old cereal box into a viewer. By making two holes—a viewing hole and a pinhole—and covering the pinhole with aluminium foil, you can project the sun inside the box onto paper. Stand with your back to the sun and look through the viewing hole to see the image in the shadow of the box.
The video gained over 10k likes on social media. One impressed viewer commented: "The colander is GENIUS." Another said: "Public service video! Great ideas." A third replied: "omg I was talking about this yesterday learnt at primary school late 70s." A different commenter suggested: "The sun will be low in the sky, scout a place the next few evenings that you can actually see the sun at same time so you won't be disappointed on the day."
