Three Scout-approved ways to view the Great North American Eclipse (and two ways to avoid)

The phenomenon dubbed the Great North American Eclipse is aptly named, as it promises to give most viewers across the continent a total or partial view of the April 8 solar eclipse.

And our nation’s front-row seat comes with a duty to protect your eyes and Be Prepared with gear that will land you an unforgettable sight of the wonder.

Check out our roundup of three easy ways to view the total solar eclipse and two ways you should not view it.

1. Make a pinhole eclipse viewer using a cereal box

We’ve tried a few methods for a creating a pinhole viewer and this is by far the easiest! It’s also a great project for younger kids who are able to use scissors but not ready to use a crafting knife. See the step-by-step instructions or watch the video below.

2. Make an indirect eclipse viewer using a shoebox

Don’t have a cereal box handy? Want to get a little more aesthetically invested in your eclipse-viewing creation? Make this shoebox eclipse viewer using the video below. (Bonus: You and your kids can paint or decorate the box with stickers for some added flair.)

3. Use eclipse glasses

If snagging some handy eclipse-viewing glasses is more your style, check out the #TrekOnTuesday on identifying glasses safe for viewing the astronomical marvel.

How to know your eclipse glasses are safe

Follow a few simple tips to check that your glasses are approved for use on April 8:

• Check to see if the manufacturer of your glasses is on the American Astronomical Society’s approved suppliers’ list.
• Take Scout Life‘s solar-eclipse glasses quiz to see if your pair passes the test.
• Visit go.scoutlife.org/findglasses to read through some easy questions and answers about your eclipse glasses.

How NOT to view the eclipse

1. With your unprotected eye
2. Using your everyday sunglasses

According to NASA, viewing the sun through any kind of lens without a solar filter specially created for this purpose will cause instant, severe eye injury! You could even permanently lose your eyesight.

That’s just not worth it.

So scroll back up to the top of this post and tackle the fun of securing a safe eclipse viewer. Then, check out our recap of ways to make the most of your April 8 viewing event.