As millions of Americans get ready to celebrate the forthcoming total solar eclipse, we thought it’d be a great idea to highlight how 3D printing can be used to commemorate such a momentous occasion that’s fun for the whole family.
NASA recently published a list of printable pinhole projectors complete with downloadable .STL files for those who want to create a 3D printed version that will last a lifetime. Users can print projectors in the shape of the USA or of their respective home states to safely watch the event unfold. During the eclipse, the pinhole projector will produce a shadow of the 3D-printed cutout and light up the pinhole to show your location in respect to the event. NASA encourages everyone to share images of their projectors, especially during the eclipse, on social media with #EclipseSelfie.
A 3D-printed pinhole projector doesn’t seem like much, but in reality it’s quite significant. We often wonder what it’s going to take for 3D printing to become a household staple. Even something as innocuous as a pinhole projector, serves as a signal that 3D printing has applications for families to use to make lasting memories.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind our readers about proper eclipse viewing safety. It is extremely dangerous to view a total eclipse without suitable eye-protection. Most sunglasses will not suffice, nor will the plethora of substandard total eclipse viewing glasses that have flooded the internet as the total eclipse looms. We encourage you to visit NASA’s Eclipse 101 webpage for a full break down of proper eclipse-viewing glasses and other techniques you can use to keep your eyes safe.
