Indirect viewing methods for watching the partial solar eclipse in Southampton

There is a partial solar eclipse at 7pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026 and we'll be able to see it in Southampton.

The sun will be 90% covered by the moon, however as the medical advice is do not look at the sun.

Below are some simple ideas to make the event exciting for all ages, especially as it will get usually dark, the birds will go quiet, and a giant shadow will pass across the land!!

The simplest method - Pinhole Card onto Paper

Poke a smooth, small hole in a card or paper plate. Stand with the sun behind you and let the light pass through the hole onto another white paper surface held a few feet below.

Use a Cullender

We've never tried this method, however this AI image gives a good impression of what you could see. Apparently the same effect can be seen if you go under a tree and look at the ground - don't look at the sun.

Shoebox / Cereal Box Projector:

Cut a small window on one end of a box, cover it with foil, poke a small pinhole in the foil, and line the opposite interior wall with white paper to view the projected crescent.

This image is AI generated and gives a good impression of how to do it. Maybe make it in advance and test it on Tuesday (don't look at the sun).