DIY Solar Projector for Watching the Eclipse Safely

I wanted to create a way to view the sun during the solar eclipse that was safe, and also that projected the sun in a larger way so several people could gather around it, and not rely on using the solar eclipse glasses to experience the event. So I made a simple projector using a few things I had around the shop.

To create the solar projector I used the following materials:

- scrap plywood

- screws

- spotting scope / photography lense

- foam board

- rubberbands

The basic concept is to create a holder for the spotting scope and place a white surface (foam board) directly in line with it.

I cut up two square pieces of plywood which I cut a circle in each, in order to hold the spotting scope in place. The two squares are connected together with a narrow strip of plywood underneath, which the two squares are screwed into.

On the end of the narrow strip I attached another piece of plywood with screws, and then I attached a piece of white foamboard to that.

So the end of the spotting scope or the lens, is what you place towards the sun, and the section which you usually view through (or connect to a camera) is what you project towards the white screen.

I placed a couple of screws on each plywood piece and secured the spotting scope in place with a few rubber bands. I also added some additional cardboard on top of the plywood to block the sun as much as possible.

On the underside of the narrow strip of plywood, I added 1/4- 20 connection piece so that I was able to screw the whole unit onto a tripod.

Another option is to hold the unit on your shoulder as you find the position of the sun.

By using a spotting scope I was able to focus the image on the scope, as well as zoom in and out as needed. If on the other hand, you're using a camera lens, then you may need to be able to adjust the distance of the lens in relation to the white board. You could also use a pair of binoculars, however the distance between the binoculars and the white board would need to be a lot greater.

By creating a projector like this, you will be able to see a much larger image of the sun, than if you made a pinhole camera, or if you were simply looking at the sun using eclipse glasses. Anyone who will experience a partial eclipse, or total eclipse would benefit from making a similar projector, and then you can always take cool photos of the projection!

For a much better perspective, and to see the projector in action, make sure to check out the video!