Development and Deployment of Large Solar Viewing Window Structures for Safe Public Solar Eclipse Observation

The ‘Great North American Total Solar Eclipse’ of April 8th, 2024, stretched across the USA from Texas to Maine. This event allowed those close to the line of totality to experience an event lasting around 2 ½ hours from First contact (beginning of the eclipse) to Fourth contact (official end of the eclipse). Except for the approximate 3 - 4 minutes of totality, where the Moon totally obscured the Sun, the possibility of permanent eye damage to direct visual observers of the eclipse presented a significant health hazard. Here we discuss the concept, design, construction, deployment, and community impact of a series of ‘safe eclipse viewing windows’. Large temporary outdoor viewing filters allow multiple people to view the eclipse together ‘side by side’ as a community without the need for personal protective eyewear. These devices allowed educators to connect with students and members of the public more easily during the eclipse and fostered a community atmosphere. These windows were an essential tool for local educators as well as serving public health and safety during the 2024 eclipse. Â