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!

At MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, we are encouraging everyone to experience one of nature’s greatest wonders. We are distributing 6,500 solar glasses free, the most ever in Ireland, as part of the observatory’s mission to inspire curiosity through space and astronomy.

You can collect your free solar glasses by dropping into MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, but also keep an eye out for updates and information on the eclipse page on our website, bco.ie, where we will be mentioning other locations where the glasses may be available. Plans on how to make a safe solar projector can be downloaded from the page. It’s great fun for the kids, or the child in all of us! And for businesses, we offer some suggestions as to how the eclipse might be a fun way to engage your customers or maybe even tempt some new ones along.

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 pictured as MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory encourages people across Cork to prepare for a once-in-a-generation deep partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, 12 August. Picture: Darragh Kane.

Although 96% of the sun will be covered at the maximum of the eclipse, it is never safe to look at it directly with your eyes. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Do not be tempted to look directly at the sun if it’s apparently hidden behind clouds, as sudden short breaks can let its full intensity shine through and damage your eyesight. And never ever use a telescope or binoculars.

You can already determine whether you will be able to see the eclipse from your preferred location without having to wait until August 12. Simply look towards (but not at) the setting sun around 6.30pm to 7.30pm any time during early August, and if it’s not hidden behind your neighbour’s house or a tall building or obscured by trees, then you will be able to view the eclipse (with the appropriate glasses, of course). If it is hidden, just find somewhere that it is possible to see it.

Alternatively, you could join one of three viewing locations at Tramore Valley Park, or Bell’s Field (scene of many a storyline in the popular series The Young Offenders) or MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory.

They all start around 6pm and will include free solar glasses, some face-painting and some lino-printing, as well as expert volunteers from MTU and Cork Astronomy Club to answer your questions or regale you with stories of the heavens above. These viewings are made possible by the Observatory’s long-standing collaboration with Cork City Council and are also in support of the night-time economy and after hours at the museum initiatives.

Dr Niall Smith and Caoimhe Lyons. Picture: Darragh Kane.

On top of all of this activity, check out our website for a photo competition called “Inspired by the Eclipse”, in which we’re inviting people to submit photos that have been catalysed by this rare and wonderful event. 

The photos do not have to be of the eclipse itself — there will be plenty of those from right across Europe — but rather a record of a moment in time, a personal memory, building a kind of social snapshot of Ireland in 2026.

Even if the clouds frustrate us all and blot out the sun-moon combination, August 12 will still be a day when we witnessed the light fading before it should in the late afternoon, only to return somewhat unexpectedly before sunset. And for us to be there to witness it. It won’t be possible to say that again until 2090.

Not forgetting the après-eclipse, the Perseid meteors await. With the moon and sun below the horizon, the skies will be dark. Perfect for meteor watching. With your solar glasses safely stored away, all that’s left is to get into a comfortable position, let your eyes adapt to the dark for 15 minutes and simply look up … again.