With only a few hours until the most impressive solar eclipse in over 25 years – and a meteor shower to boot – many Guernsey folk are gearing up for a spectacular evening of sun and stargazing.
But a few people have decided to use this rare galactic event to make a bit of extra money – by selling eclipse glasses for up to £100.
We’ll leave it up to Express readers to decide whether this is cynical profiteering or simply a case of entrepreneurial islanders making some much-needed money during a cost-of-living crisis.
But for those unwilling or unable to spend that much, what are some cheaper options for safely watching Wednesday evening’s eclipse?
1. Find a cheaper pair
While some people were trying to make a quick profit from Wednesday’s celestial show, others were selling eclipse glasses at a slightly more reasonable rate.
We found pairs online for as little as £2 on Tuesday, with others ranging from £5 – £10 for one or two pairs.
Much better!
2. Stick a hole in a cereal box
If you’re not lucky enough – or rich enough – to get hold of one of the last pairs of eclipse glasses, don’t panic – all is not lost.
Why not head to the kitchen, pull out a nearly-finished box of Corn Flakes, Weetabix or Coco Pops and make your eclipse snap, crackle and pop?
That’s right, all it takes is a cereal box, a pen to punch a hole and a small piece of foil and you’ll be able to make a quick, makeshift pinhole camera and safely watch the eclipse.
Our favourite childhood Blue Peter presenters would be proud.
3. Grab your colander
But why make one pinhole camera when you’ve got a ready-made contraption that contains dozens?
As well as helping you drain pasta – which is a wonderful thing in and of itself – the humble colander doubles as a multi-pack of pinhole cameras.
Just take it outside and use your colander to project multiple images of the sun onto a flat, light-coloured surface of piece of paper.
Don’t forget though, don’t look directly at the sun as it can damage your eyesight!
