Life Hack: How to watch Wednesday’s solar eclipse — and why Munster will have the best view

Dr Niall Smith, head of Research at Munster Technological University and head of MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, and Caoimhe Lyons, a Mathematical Sciences and Physics graduate and science facilitator at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory prepare for a once-in-a-generation deep partial solar eclipse on Wednesday. Picture: Darragh Kane

Did you know we’re going to see a spectacular solar eclipse next week from Ireland? 

On Wednesday, August 12, what is being described as Ireland’s best solar eclipse for generations will see up to 97% of the Sun obscured by the Moon in parts of the South-West, and up to 98% from Valentia Island, Co Kerry. 

With excitement building, astronomy enthusiasts and curious sky-watchers are being urged to safely enjoy the spectacle by taking a few steps ahead of the solar event.

What will happen during the solar eclipse?

Approximately 96% of the Sun is expected to be covered by the Moon at the maximum eclipse, which will happen at around 7.13pm. The eclipse will begin at around 6.15pm, reach its maximum at 7.13pm, and end at approximately 8.08pm. It will be the largest eclipse visible from Ireland until 2090.

What should I do before looking?

The most important thing to do is protect your eyesight, and never look directly at the eclipse.

Ordinary sunglasses will not offer adequate protection but wearing certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses is one way to experience the event safely. To prepare the public, MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory is making 6,500 of these glasses available to people across Cork, with stock available to collect at the observatory. 

Cameras, binoculars, and telescopes will also require correctly fitted solar filters, while pinhole projectors offer a safe, indirect alternative.

Are there any recommended viewing points?

Cork is Ireland’s best-positioned major city for the eclipse and free public viewing events will take place across the city, at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, Tramore Valley Park, and Bell’s Field, with no booking required. Members of the public will be able to meet astronomy experts, learn about safe eclipse viewing, and enjoy music and family activities at these locations.

Solar eclipse lino-printing and pinhole-projector activities are also planned at Tramore Valley Park and Bell’s Field.

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies will host a special public viewing event, Eclipse26 at Dunsink Observatory, featuring expert talks, family-friendly activities, telescope viewing, and opportunities to meet solar physicists and astronomy researchers. Eclipse glasses will be provided to attendees.

Top tips to remember during the eclipse

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies has also shared its five top tips for viewing the eclipse:

• Never look directly at the Sun: Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage, even when most of the Sun is covered by the moon. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection. Never point a camera, telescope, binoculars, or mobile phone directly at the Sun without the appropriate solar filters. Doing so can damage equipment and pose a risk to eyesight.
• Use certified eclipse glasses or make your own eclipse viewer: Anyone planning to view the eclipse directly should either use internationally certified solar eclipse glasses or make your own eclipse viewer, using cardboard and a small pin-sized hole. The cardboard projector projects an image of the Sun onto a surface, allowing you to safely observe the changing shape of the Sun as the Moon passes in front of it. Pinhole projectors are easy to make, completely safe, and a great way to get children involved in the event.
• Choose your location carefully: The farther south-west you travel, the greater the percentage of the Sun that will be covered by the moon. Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon and try to arrive early if attending a public viewing event.
• Make it a shared experience: The eclipse offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about space science with family and friends. Many astronomy groups and observatories around Ireland will host public viewing events.
• Learn the science behind the spectacle: During the eclipse, scientists will use a specially designed telescope known as E-CorMag to observe the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, called the corona. They will investigate the magnetic fields that shape this super-heated region of the solar atmosphere. The research will contribute to a better understanding of space weather and how activity on the Sun can affect technologies here on Earth.