Mérida, Yucatán — Although far from the “path of totality,” today’s solar eclipse will be partially visible over Yucatán.
The solar eclipse will be visible in all of Mexico, and over Yucatán, just 45 percent of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
“Totality” will occur in the United States, in a diagonal swipe from Oregon to South Carolina.
In Mérida, the solar phenomenon starts at 12:16 p.m. Its maximum impact will be at 1:44 p.m. and the show ends at 3:06 p.m.
The ancient Maya believed that an eclipse was a sign that the moon was attacking the sun, indicating that a war was coming. But the real danger is attempting to look directly at the skies.
Do not attempt to witness the phenomenon without eye protection. Sunglasses and camera lenses will not prevent probably retina damage. Only special-purpose solar filters or hand-held solar viewers are suitable for gazing at the eclipse.
If your approved solar-eclipse glasses didn’t come in time or the store is sold out, then perhaps it’s DIY time.
With a homemade pinhole projector, a reflected image of the event will be visible.
Sara G. Miller of Space.com shared her easy tips for making a pinhole projector at home.
DIY Step-by-Step Guide
Materials
- Cereal box
- Paper
- Aluminum foil
- Pencil
- Tape
- Scissors
How to make it
- Trace the bottom of a box on paper.
- Cut out the rectangle.
- Tape paper to inside bottom of box.
- Close the top of the box.
- Cut two holes in the top of the box.
- Cover one hole with foil.
- Poke a small hole in the middle of the foil.
How to use it
Take the pinhole projector outside and face away from the sun so that its light shines into the pinhole. Look through the hole you did not cover and see the sun projected on the white piece of paper inside the box.
Sources: Conacyt, Space.com
