We experimented with many different types of viewing methods in order to find the best, safest and most appropriate method for both group and individual usage. We tried out mylar solar viewing glasses, pinhole projection, mirror projection and welder’s glass.

Mylar Glasses: These are card-mounted glasses which can be bought very cheaply and were widely available on the island. We have seen many different types, but they all work in the same way. The best ones to use are glasses in which the filter has neutral density, these do not have any effect on the suns colour. Also when purchasing mylar glasses they must have the European standard mark. The main problem with these glasses is that they are easily damaged and they are very light so are liable to blow off easily, leaving your eyes unprotected. Hopefully the design will be altered before 1999 to prevent this occurring.

Mark out of ten ~ 4

Mirror Projection: This was probably the ‘best’ of our observation methods as it does not involve looking directly at the sun but still gives a reasonably clear and large image. This worked by putting a small mirror inside an envelope with a one pence sized hole in the front. This was then mounted on a suitable device of which we tried out four cheap easy methods (appendix A). The distance between the mirror and the screen depends upon the brightness of the ambient light; size of the aperture and the quality of the image you desire.

When we were in Curaçao we had a 7 cm diameter image on a screen which was in full sun light. The screen was approximately 5 metres away from the mirror. If we moved the mirror further away the image just faded away. The Head of Science at the International School of Curaçao, succeeded in making an image with a 20 cm diameter. He did this by having the mirror in the sun, but projecting the image into a shaded classroom. This improved the quality of the image, as most of the light beam was in the shade. This improved the contrast between the image and the background.

When using a normal mirror, you get a slight double image. This is caused by the sun reflecting off the front of the glass, as well as the silvered backing and can be prevented by using a front silvered mirror. This method is suitable for group use, especially young children. It is extremely safe, and the image can be drawn around leaving a permanent reminder of the eclipse. Professor John Parkinson is continuing to develop this technique. Full construction details will be available through the ASE & Sheffield Hallam University. Mark out of ten ~ 9

Welder’s Glass: This is one of the most expensive viewing methods we tried at £3.00 to £4.00 for one viewer, suitable for one person only. It is a new polycarbonate plastic originally designed for the welding industry. To use it you should put it to your eyes while looking away from the sun then turn to face the sun. Look at the sun for around 10 seconds then while still holding the glass to your eyes turn away from the sun. This method keeps your eyes adapted to the light and reduces the possibility of you removing the glass while still looking at the sun. The new filter has what’s called neutral density which prevents the sun from appearing discoloured, this shouldn’t be confused with optical density which is the amount of light the filter blocks out. A safe solar viewer should have an optical density of 5 or more. Welders glass that is safe has a number greater than 13. This filter can also be cut up to be used on cameras and video cameras. Mark out of ten ~ 8