How to Make a Pringles Can Solar Viewer

Looking for a safe way to view a solar eclipse without spending too much money? Don’t have solar eclipse glasses? Try making a Pringles can solar viewer!

If you don’t own any solar eclipse glasses, this method will allow you to view an eclipse safely and it won’t break the bank. It’s also a great project for your kids!

Here’s a video showing how to make a Pringles can solar viewer. Note the measurements are metric.

The concept here is very simple: It’s a pinhole camera or camera obscura. It takes a lot of light and focuses it on a very small area.

The trade-off is that you give up image quality when using this method versus eclipse glasses. Remember: Never look directly at the sun! Always use proper eye protection.

You can create one using a shoebox, shipping tube, or any other box. A Pringles can works great because you don’t need to seal the flaps to block out the light. Just remember that you need a full-sized can and not the short one.

Don’t forget to have your kids decorate their solar viewer too!

If you’ve made a solar viewer I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or Twitter: @wiredhs.