Sky Matters: Get ready for the biggest celestial event of the year

Now is the time to start scouting out locations to view the biggest celestial event of 2026, the upcoming eclipse of the sun on August 12 that will see around 95-97% of the sun eclipsed by the moon

The event will occur between approximately 6pm and 8pm, with the exact timing being dependent on your location. Pictures: iStock

We’re now just over a month away from the biggest celestial event of 2026, and indeed the biggest that many of us will experience in our lifetime from Ireland. An incredibly impressive eclipse of the Sun will occur on August 12, with around 95-97% of the sun eclipsed by the Moon. The event will occur between approximately 6pm and 8pm, with the exact timing being dependent on your location – but only by a few minutes if you’re watching from anywhere in Ireland.

The Sun will be about 15 degrees above the western horizon at the time of eclipse maximum. To get a sense of this, you can generate an angle of approximately 15 degrees by spreading your index finger and you little finger at arms length. You can then check whether your horizon is obscured, for example by nearby houses or trees. If so, now is the time to start planning where to go to get a clear view. The fact that the Sun will be close to the horizon will provide outstanding opportunities to view the eclipse against the backdrop of your local horizon. Perhaps that includes a beautiful rural scene or a church building or a local landmark. Now is the time to start scouting out locations!