Christmas Day 2000

Partial Solar Eclipse

On Christmas Day, northern Ohio will get the opportunity to see a partial solar eclipse. A solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. The shadow of the moon reaches the earth and blocks the sun. For your location you will see only a partial eclipse. This means only part of the sun will be covered by the moon. The time range from start to finish is from about 11:00 AM t0 2:00 PM. The maximum amount of coverage is about 60% and that will happen about 12:20 PM. There are a number of ways to safely view an eclipse. Let me describe them to you and you can decide which method will work best for you. The best thing about these methods is that they are also inexpensive and you should have the equipment in your home.

1. The Paper Plate Method

You will two 8 or 9 inch paper (Styrofoam) plates. In plate 1 put a small hole in the center with a sharp pencil or small nail. You may want to experiment with size to find what gives you the best image. With your back to the sun hold plate 1 so that it will make a shadow on plate 2. In the center of this shadow you will see the image of the sun. Use a square nail and see if you still get a round image of the sun. Vary the distance between the plates to get the sharpest and biggest image.

2. The Box Method

You will need a box that will fit over your head. Cut a square hole in top corner of the box as shown in figure 2. Cover this hole with a piece of aluminum foil and make a small hole in the center. With your back to the sun place the box over your head and you will see an image of the sun on the opposite side of the box. This method works for an individual but not well for a group.

3. The Mirror Method

Take plane flat mirror and cover all but an area of one square inch or smaller. Reflect sunlight off of the mirror to wall. You will get an image of the sun. By adjusting the size of the hole and the distance to the wall, you can determine the size of your image.

Whatever method you decide on for viewing the eclipse, I recommend that you practice this method before Christmas Day. You want to be able to experience this eclipse with the least amount of anxiety. Prior planning prevents poor performance. Happy holidays and good viewing!!!

Rod Thompson

Mentor High Planetarium