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Making Solar Eclipse Glasses at Home: 2025 Safe Do It Guide

For good cause, there is obvious buzz about the forthcoming 2025 solar eclipse. Families, amateur astronomers, and sky watchers all find great appeal in this unusual astronomical spectacle. But appreciating this cosmic beauty comes with one basic safety precaution: eye protection.

Direct sun viewing during an eclipse may result in irreversible retinal damage often referred to as solar retinopathy. Using appropriate eye protection is thus non-negotiable. Although certified solar eclipse glasses are somewhat common, as the big day draws near they might run out or be too costly. Fortunately, you can safely learn how to create solar eclipse glasses at home using basic tools.

We will lead you through the whole procedure in this blog article, list the necessary tools, and provide safety advice to ensure your handcrafted eclipse glasses efficiently shield your eyes during the 2025 solar eclipse.

Why Would You Want to View the Eclipse Without Protection?

Let’s first briefly grasp why eye protection is so important before delving into the do-it-yourself directions.

Your retina may be burned by the remaining strong enough visible light even if the moon hides 99% of the sun. Typical sunglasses—even the darkest ones—do not provide enough protection. Solar viewing glasses compliant with ISO 12312-2 international safety criteria will enable you to safely see the eclipse. These sunglasses filter 99.999% of harmful radiation and solar light.

If you want to do it yourself, you must not sacrifice safety and use appropriate solar filters.

Tools You’ll Need to Create Handcrafted Solar Eclipse Glasses

These are the fundamental materials needed to create a working pair of handcrafted solar eclipse glasses:

Materials: ISO 12312-2 approved solar filter film

Companies:

  • American Paper Optics

  • Rainbow Symphony

  • Thousand Oaks Optical

Other Supplies:

  • Thin or thick cardboard, or cardstock

  • Manila folders or old cereal boxes are very useful

  • Either a craft knife or scissors

  • Rule and pencil

  • Stapler, double-sided tape, or glue

  • Optional: additional protection from aluminum foil

Important:
Never replace the solar film with ordinary plastic, picture negatives, CDs, sunglasses, mylar balloons. These provide not enough secure protection.

Step-by-step Directions: Home Made Solar Eclipse Glasses: How To Create Them

First: Create Your Template

Measure and sketch on a piece of thick paper or cardboard the form of your glasses frame. One may follow the contour of an old pair of sunglasses or get a downloadable eclipse glasses template from reliable sources.

Every side should include a about 1.5 inch wide by 1 inch height frame cutout for the eye region.

Second Step: Cut the Frame

Carefully cut out the glasses form including the eye openings using scissors or a craft knife. To firmly sandwich the solar film, you will need two layers—a front and a rear piece.

Third Step: Cutting the Solar Filter Film

Cut out two rectangular bits from the solar film, somewhat bigger than the eye holes—that is, 2×2 inches. This guarantees perfect fit and complete covering.

Pro Tip:
Treat the film carefully; try not to scratch it. Handle the stuff using gloves or clean hands always.

Step 4: Arrange the Lenses

Either double-sided tape or adhesive will let you attach the solar film over the eye openings. Then top with the second layer of the glasses frame, sandwich-style sealing the film within. Staple or firmly press the edges to guarantee the film won’t come off.

The Fifth Step: Adding Temples (Side Arms)

Cut two about 1 inch broad, approximately 6 inch long cardboard strips. Your spectacles will have them as side arms, or temples. Tape, glue, or staples will help you to fasten them to each side of the spectacles.

For a close fit, gently bend the ends to contour over your ears.

Step 6: Optional Aluminum Shielding

Wrap the front of the frame aluminum foil for extra durability and glare resistance. Although not necessary, this stage improves performance in direct sunlight.

Testing Your Own Made Eclipse Glasses

Test your homemade glasses for safety before wearing them during the eclipse.

  • Put them on indoors; you will see absolutely nothing through the lenses—no light, no room lights, not even a flashlight.

  • Try looking at the sun momentarily: the glasses are probably safe if you could comfortably and clearly see the sun free from glare.

  • Don’t use them if the sun seems too brilliant or distorted. Right away replace the solar filter.

Alternative: No Filter Needed DIY Pinhole Projector

If you lack solar film, think about building a pinhole projector rather than direct-view goggles.

Here is the approach:

  • Using a cereal box, pierce a tiny hole in the middle of one end.

  • Tuck a piece of white paper inside the other end of the box.

  • Standing back from the sun, let sunlight pass through the pinhole.

  • Safe and efficient, the eclipse image will print onto the white paper within the box.

As you are not directly staring at the sun, this approach is 100% safe.

Safety Rules for Observing the Eclipse

Though it’s fun to make your own solar eclipse glasses, here are some guidelines:

  • Use only ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing film.

  • Never recycle scratched or damaged solar filters.

  • Children should always be under supervision.

  • Don’t cover ordinary sunglasses with do-it-yourself Eclipse glasses.

  • Steer clear of staring at the sun using cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without specifically solar filters.

  • Enough light may harm eyes severely even from a little tear in the solar film. Check your glasses before every use.

Where Might One Purchase Solar Filter Film?

If you want certified solar film, have a look at these reliable sources:

  • Thousand Oaks Optical: Offering sheets and rolls of black polymer sun filters

  • Rainbow Symphony: Offers filters and ISO-certified shadow viewers

  • American Paper Optics: Provider of main suppliers for stores selling eclipse glasses

Get early orders! Products run fast in the months before an eclipse.

Final Notes: Safe, Clever, and Doable

For homes, families, and classes, making solar eclipse glasses at-home is an interesting and instructive hobby. It raises knowledge about solar safety and fundamental astronomy in addition to saving money. Just keep in mind, your first concern should always be eye protection.

With little preparation and the correct supplies, you will be ready to safely and memorally see the 2025 solar eclipse. Whether you design your own eclipse glasses or use a pinhole projector, savor this uncommon cosmic event with great eyesight and peace of mind.