1. Solar Eclipse (20 th March 2015 at 10:25) A solar eclipse happens when the moon is directly between the earth and the sun casting a shadow on earth. This happens very rarely. The last time a solar eclipse was visible from Malta was in 1999. Following the event on Friday 20 th March, the next time a solar eclipse will be visible from Malta will be in 2027. Don’t miss the chance to observe this rare event. The moon will pass in front of the sun on Friday 20 th March between 9:21 and 11:34. This eclipse can be easily observed from school on Friday 20 th March during the morning break between 10:00 and 10:15am

2. Safety: You will not be able to observe the solar eclipse just by looking directly to the sun! The sun’s intensity will make it impossible to observe the Eclipse. Warning: Looking directly towards the sun will damage your eyes! Binoculars should not be used!!! The following tools can be used to observe an eclipse: Purposely made Solar Eclipse Glasses, Very Dark Welding mask Homemade Pinhole Projector A Pinhole projector can be made out of a cereal or shoe box as shown in the following slides.

3. Materials: Large cereal box, Piece of aluminium foil, tape, black paper / paint (optional), glue. Tools: Ruler, marker, scissors, blade, pin.

4. Spray the inside of the box with black spray or line it with black paper (Do this outside in a well ventilated area)

5. The inside of the box should look black, this will create a dark environment that enhances the image of the sun.

6. In the bottom of the cereal box cut a 6cm x 6cm hole using a scissors or a sharp blade. (The help of adult supervision is advised)

7. Cover the hole with a square piece of aluminium foil (Shiny side out)

8. Use tape to stick the aluminium foil covering the hole in the bottom

9. Cut another hole in the side of the box

10. The size of the hole in the side of the box, should be large enough to see through using both eyes, but not too large.

11. Cut a piece of white cardboard the size of the bottom of the cereal box. Put glue on one side.

12. Insert the white cardboard and stick it to the top part of the cereal box opposite to the foil. This will be your white screen on which the image of the sun is projected.

13. Using a pin or needle punch a small hole in the centre of the aluminium foil.

14. The finished product

15. Directions for use: Look at the white cardboard screen through the side whole, then point the cereal box with the foil part directly to the sun. An image of the sun should be projected on the white screen at the back.