Makedo Solar Scope

Observe the Transit of Venus, Sunspots and other Solar phenomena with this Solar Scope, made from reclaimed shoe boxes and Makedo parts available at www.mymakedo.com.

To make your Solar Scope, unfold the side flaps of your shoeboxes and overlap one on top of the other, joining them into a single long box.

Once you have aligned the overlapped boxes, use the Makedo Safe-saw and punch a hole through on either side. Connect the boxes using Makedo Re-pins and Re-clips.

We have used 3 shoeboxes for the Solar Scope which we find makes a good viewing length. Continue to attach another box to add length to your Solar Scope. Connect as before using Makedo Re-pins and Re-clips.

At one end of the Solar Scope, use the Makedo Safe-saw and cut out a rectangle window. Place a sheet of foil on the inside of the box.

Connect the sheet of foil to the box using Makedo Re-pins and Re-clips, ensuring the that foil is tight against the box. Use a needle and poke a hole in the center of the foil sheet. This is where the Sun will shine through the Solar Scope.

On the opposite end of the Solar Scope, place a sheet of white paper on the inside of the box. Connect it to the box using Makedo Re-pins and Re-clips. This will be where the Sun is projected onto.

To create the viewing window, cut a rectangle flap on the side of the box near the white paper screen. Use a Makedo Hinge, Re-pins and Re-clips to create a swinging door for your viewing window.

Complete your Solar Scope by closing all the box lids, ensuring that the inside is completely dark for best results when the Sun shines through. Now you’re ready to view the Transit of Venus. Simply position the box so that it is in line with its own shadow and the Sun. The Sun shines through the foil pinhole and projects on to the white paper. Watch the Sun through the viewing window in the side.