Here’s what you’ll need to create your own pair of solar eclipse glasses:
- A large piece of poster board or card stock.
- A template for your glasses (draw an outline or print out a template).
- A solar filter.
- A roll of blue painter’s tape.
- Scissors.
- A pen.
If you have a pair of recycled 3D glasses on hand, you’re in luck! You can skip the poster board and template for an easy alternative.
Verify the Safety of Your Solar Filter Before Use
While there are a wide range of solar filters available on the market, only a handful of brands have been approved by NASA. If you want to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the big event, you should always stick to the verified brands.
Another important note to mention: while many household alternatives are being popularized in YouTube videos dedicated to safe solar viewing, many have been proven unsafe. Check and double check your sources before using a household alternative in your project. No matter how dark your favorite pair of sunglasses may be, if they aren’t certified to protect your eyes against the sun’s UV radiation, your safety will be at risk.
Some alternatives to steer clear from:
- Exposed color film
- Medical X-ray film
- Smoked glass
- CD’s and floppy discs
Solar Filters You Can Trust
Use high-quality, ISO certified solar films from reputable businesses like Rainbow Symphony. Made from durable, scratch resistant black polymer, this kind of solar film gives the sun a warm yellow/orange hue, and it ensures a safe, crisp and clear view from start to finish. Another great perk: you can use the film to transform your everyday binoculars, cameras, and telescopes into safe solar viewing devices, too!