Get ready for two rare astronomical events — on the same day

On August 12, we will have the opportunity, weather permitting, to view the deepest eclipse of the sun by the moon until 2090. That’s 64 years, or almost three generations

Dr Niall Smith, Head of Research at Munster Technological University and Head of MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory; Caoimhe Lyons, a Mathematical Sciences and Physics graduate and Science Facilitator at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory; Dr. Melissa Courtney, Blackrock Castle Observatory; and Alan Giltinan, Centre Manager and Researcher at Blackrock Castle Observatory. Picture: Darragh Kane.

It's rare for two astronomical highlights to occur on the same day, but this is exactly what’s happening on August 12. Between 6.15pm and 8.15pm, approximately, we will have the opportunity, weather permitting, to view the deepest eclipse of the sun by the moon until 2090. That’s 64 years, or almost three generations. 

The solar eclipse will be followed that night by the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, a wholly coincidental and unrelated event, but a double treat nevertheless!