Ready, Set, Eclipse!

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Circle April 8 on your calendar because the sky is putting on an amazing show! It’s called a Total Solar Eclipse and it’s the perfect opportunity to host a Watch Party!

But What is a Solar Eclipse?
God perfectly placed the Sun, Earth, and Moon into our solar system. Sometimes the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, casting a giant shadow on the world. Kind of like taking a flashlight and making finger shadows on the wall. Only much bigger.

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Total solar eclipses, where the Moon covers the whole Sun, only happen once every 18 months. But why is this so cool? Because even though it’s the middle of the day, the total solar eclipse can make it look and feel like nighttime. In fact, you might even see stars. And even though it may feel like bedtime, by the time you’re finished yawning, the Sun will start to peek out again.

But here’s something else you need to know. If you're right where the eclipse is happening, you'll see the sun totally disappear for a bit. If you're not in that special spot, don't worry—you can still see some of the sun hide, just not all of it.

This is definitely an event you want to celebrate. But how do you plan your own watch party?
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Shield Your Eyes
First, there’s one very important rule you must follow. Never look directly at the Sun. Wondering how to watch an eclipse if you can’t look at the Sun? Here are some NASA-approved ways that everyone at your party can watch the eclipse safely.

• Super Shades. Get some “eclipse glasses” that are made just for looking at the Sun. They’re like superhero masks for your eyes! They can be purchased online. Just make sure to get a pair that says “ISO certified," such as these Solar Eclipse Glasses. For more details on safe glasses, check out NASA's page at science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety. 
• Lights, Camera, Action! You can make a simple pinhole projector at home. They’re easy to make and will keep your peepers completely safe. Check out the next page for instructions.
• Couch-Side Cosmic Adventure. Many scientists and explorers will be streaming the eclipse online and you can watch it safely on your computer or TV. A little research ahead of time will have you ready to go before the great event.

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​Crafting Your Cool Eclipse Viewing Gear
Pinhole Projector
Here's a a great ficeo with details on how to make this project: svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12638

Collect:

• A long box (a shoebox or cereal box works great)
• A piece of white paper
• Aluminum foil
• Tape
• Scissors
• A small pin or needle

Create:

1. Cut a piece of white paper to fit inside one end of the box. 
2. Place the paper to fit inside one end of the box. Tape if necessary. This is the screen where you will see the Sun!
3. Next, cut two holes at the other end of the box, on opposite sides.
4. Take a piece of aluminum foil and tape it over the one of the holes you just cut. Make sure the foil is nice and smooth.
5. Now, use a pin or needle to poke a teeny-tiny hole in the middle of the aluminum foil. Be careful; you only need a tiny hole!

How to Use It:

• Stand with your back to the Sun. Hold the box so the foil end is facing the Sun.
• Look into the uncovered hole to view your paper screen. You'll see a small circle of light—that's the Sun!
• During the eclipse, you'll see this little circle of light change as the Moon passes by the Sun.

Eclipse Viewfinder
Check out this video for a play-by-play: youtube.com/watch?v=cMS9YcEWpsw

Collect:

• Potato chips in a paperboard canister
• Tack
• Scissors
• Piece of white paper

Create:

1. Dump chips into a bowl and use them as snacks at your watch party.
2. Clean out the canister.
3. Using the plastic lid, trace a circle on the white paper.
4. Cut out the circle.
5. Stick the circle inside of the lid and place it back onto the canister.
6. Cut a rectangle from the top of the canister about 1” wide and 3” long. 
7. Place the lid on the canister.
8. Using a tack, poke a hole in the metal bottom of the canister.
9. Face the metal side of the can toward the Sun.
10. View the Sun on the paper through the rectangle opening.

Shadow Fun

Collect:

• Flashlight (Here's one we love)
• Items to help create shadows, such as paper, pipe cleaners, and blocks or Legos.

Create:

1. Cut or tear paper into shapes.
2. Build shapes or buildings out of blocks.
3. Make animals, people, or other designs from pipe cleaners
4. Darken the room and cast shadows from your creations by shining light on them. Watch how their shadows appear on the wall or the space around them. 
5. For extra fun, use your fingers to create some moving shadows on the wall.

Resources Listed in this Post

• Info on safest solar glasses from NASA: science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/
• Pinhole Projector Resource: svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12638
• Pinhole Viewfinder: youtube.com/watch?v=cMS9YcEWpsw
• Check out what time and how full the total eclipse coverage will be in your area: timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2024-april-8

As you gather to marvel at this stunning event, I hope you and your family find the time to celebrate the universe God has created and his perfect placement of our planet. Another great resource that shares the wonders of God in Astronomy is Kids Answers.

Parent Tip #1: A Few Books Ideas
I dug up some books you might want to check out. They are great if you want to dive deeper into the incredible miracle of the solar eclipse. Here they are: ​

• Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story by Jayme Sandberg
•  Solar Eclipse 2024 Science Guide  The Complete Kids’ Solar Eclipse Activity Book with Fun & Games (ages 5-11)
• Solar Eclipse Guide and Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8 The Complete Instructions for the North American Total SolarEclipse, including Maps, Diagrams, Activities, Awesome Facts, Coloring, and More

​Parent Tip#2: Create a Celestial Smorgasboard
What's a celebration without food?  Click the button below for eclipse-themed snacks for your watch party that include Eclipse Cookies, Galaxy Punch, Out of This World Finger Foods, and Moon Bites.

out of this world snack Recipes

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