By now, you’ve probably heard about the 2024 solar eclipse, which will occur in the United States on Monday, April 8, 2024. It’s the first total eclipse of the sun in a long time, so it’s kind of a big deal. Here are 3 cheap ways to view the 2024 solar eclipse safely.
Hi there, parents.
Maybe you are prepared and plan to view the eclipse with your kids.
Or maybe you are like me and totally NOT prepared. Glasses? Viewers? Whaaat?
It’s cool, it doesn’t make us bad parents. It just means we were totally unaware/unprepared for a defining moment in our children’s lives.
Let’s be honest: it’s not the first (or the last) time, amirite?
Don’t worry: I’ve got you covered with some cheap (possibly free) last minute ways to view the 2024 solar eclipse.
And you don’t even have to hit up Pinterest for these ideas, y’all.
You are welcome.
Cheap Ways To View the 2024 Solar Eclipse Safely
If you need to brush up on eclipse science, visit NASA and check out the Eclipse 101 (for dummies—emphasis mine) page.
Fascinating stuff!
I don’t remember what happened in 1979, but my eyes still work, so I’m guessing I did not stare into the eclipse. My eyes are bad, but they work well enough that I think I managed to survive that one.
For Monday, I’ve figured out some cheap, last-minute options for safely viewing the sky that day.
ps- pets will not be harmed and you can go outside during the eclipse.
You just don’t want to look directly at the event as it happens which is where the following options could help you out if you didn’t score any viewing glasses.
Like me. Ahem
1. Build a Box Fort
One of my science friends on Facebook shared this brilliant, low-cost, low-effort option.
Little kids love a good box fort. Okay, so big kids like me do too!
2. Hit Up Your Kitchen for Gear to Safely Watch the Solar Eclipse
Do you make spaghetti? Pasta? Then you probably have a kitchen colander.
That baby is your new eclipse viewer. Who knew?
Any kitchen appliance with small holes can be used as a pin-hole viewer.
I’ve also seen people using Ritz Crackers to direct their solar eclipse through.
Look, there’s no reason you can’t have a drink and a snack with your eclipse. Whatever works!
3. Watch Online or at a Local Planetarium
Online: It’s free and it’s safe and you’ll probably have the best view of all your friends.
NASA is planning a four-hour geek-a-thon covering the whole thing. If you are in an area that won’t be experiencing totality (like those of us in the DC area) then log on and nerd out.
You can find all your NASA live streaming options right here.
Planetariums & Museums: We’re going to Washington, DC, to see what the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum has to teach us about the eclipse.
Both locations are offering education and hands-on experiences on Monday, DC locals.
Moving here certainly has perks and being 20 minutes outside of the city is one I’m happily taking advantage of!
Since we haven’t been to the Smithsonian in a few months, it’s time! And I’m secretly hoping the kids fall in love with it this time.
Have fun viewing the eclipse- and hey, let’s be safe out there!?
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.