SAN DIEGO — The solar eclipse is less than two weeks away. While San Diego is not in the path of totality, people can still safely view the partial eclipse with solar glasses or they can make their own view box.
Household items to make your own view box:
- Cereal/shipping/shoe box
- Writing Pen
- White paper
- Scissors
- Aluminum foil
- Tape
- Push pin
Create a view box with these steps:
1. Trace the bottom of the box with a writing pen on the white paper and cut the paper out.
2. Take the paper and place it on the inside of the bottom of the box and seal the top.
3. Cut two rectangular holes on the top left and top right sides of the box.
4. Cut a piece of aluminum foil to cover the left hole and tape it in place.
5. Poke a pin hole in the center of the foil.
6. Turn your back to the sun and look into the right hole. You will watch a projection of the eclipse sun in the inside of the box.
Remember to never look at the sun with the naked eye.
When, where to watch the eclipse in San Diego
San Diegans can view the partial eclipse on April 8 starting at 10:03 a.m. It will peak at 11:11 a.m. and end at 12:23 p.m.
Outside of the path of totality, we will see 55% of the eclipse. Anywhere there is a clear sky should be a good spot to watch.
If you want to be part of a larger group, you can join the Solar Eclipse viewing party at the Fleet Science Center. It will look similar to October 2023 when hundreds gathered to watch the partial viewing. And in true Fleet Science Center fashion, they’ll have another free educational and entertaining party at Balboa Park for this viewing. The Fleet has your eyes covered with plenty of glasses available and plenty of people who can offer their expertise.
Eye protection necessary
Special eclipse glasses or view boxes are extremely important to keep your eyes safe during a solar eclipse. The only time it is safe to look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye is during totality
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing.
The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force vetted sellers and compiled a list of trusted manufacturers and suppliers of eclipse glasses here.
If you already have solar viewers that aren't on the list, don't panic. The AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force says it's simply impossible to vet every manufacturer, and most of the time these products end up being safe.
WATCH RELATED: Watching the April 8 solar eclipse in San Diego (March 18, 2024)