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Video: Build a sun viewer to watch the solar eclipse

Here’s how you can make your own sun viewer to safely view sunspots, eclipses and solar transits with items you might have around the house.
“Triple Play” Eclipse by Fred Espenak/CNN

Never look directly at the sun! 

Senior Exploratorium Scientist, Paul Doherty demonstrates how you can make your own sun viewer. You can safely view sunspots, eclipses and transits with this  equipment that you may have laying around the house!

To learn more about the upcoming Transit of Venus visit: http://www.exploratorium.edu/venus/question3.html

On May 20, 2012 the moon will pass in front of the sun, creating an annular solar eclipse. 

Observers in western states will get the best view of the full eclipse, called a "ring of fire" view.  A partial eclipse will be visible in the rest of North America. 

In our area, the eclipse will begin just before 4 p.m. Sunday and end just before 10 p.m.  It is expected to peak at approximately 7:22 p.m.

The next ring eclipse won't be visible in the U.S. until October 2023.

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