Once in a generation solar eclipse this evening
Maximum coverage shortly after 7pm before ending at about 8.02pm in the Cavan and Monaghan area.
Sky watchers across Cavan and Monaghan are being urged to look skyward this evening as Ireland experiences one of its most significant solar eclipses in decades.
The partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, will begin at around 6.09pm in the north of the country, reaching maximum coverage shortly after 7pm before ending at about 8.02pm in the Cavan and Monaghan area.
At its peak, around 94% of the Sun will be obscured in parts of the region, leaving only a narrow crescent of sunlight visible. The eclipse will be partial across Ireland, with coverage approaching 97% in parts of the south-west.
The event is being billed as a once-in-a-generation spectacle. Ireland's next total solar eclipse is not expected until 2090.
Eclipse event in Monaghan
People in Monaghan can gather at Knocknagrave Environmental Centre, where a public eclipse-viewing event is scheduled from 6pm.
Organisers are inviting families and members of the public to safely experience the Moon moving across the Sun.
However, strict safety precautions are essential. Never look directly at the Sun, even when most of it is covered, as this can cause permanent eye damage. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Advice
Anyone viewing the eclipse directly should use certified solar eclipse glasses or a suitable solar filter. A pinhole projector is another safe way to watch the eclipse without looking directly at the Sun.
Optometrists are urging the public to take care when viewing Wednesday evening’s solar eclipse, warning that prolonged exposure to the sun’s direct rays can cause permanent damage to the retina.
Optometry Ireland President and optometrist Liz Grennan has issued advice for those planning to watch the rare astronomical event.
Ms Grennan urged people to use only certified eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer specifically designed for viewing the sun, warning that ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
She also advised viewers to:
- Check eclipse glasses and solar viewing equipment for damage before use and replace them if damaged.
- Ensure children are supervised when viewing the eclipse.
- Consider watching a livestream or attending an event organised by a local astronomy club.
- Use a homemade pinhole projector to view the eclipse indirectly. Guidance is available from BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
- Never use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers with cameras, binoculars, telescopes or other optical equipment, as these can concentrate sunlight and cause serious eye damage.
- Never look directly at the sun or point a camera, phone or telescope at it.
- Avoid attempting to take a selfie with the eclipse.
Ms Grennan said retinal damage caused by solar exposure can occur without immediate warning.
“Retinal damage from solar burns is difficult to notice as it happens because it does not cause pain but is not reversible,” she said.
“If you notice any distortion, blur or other changes in your vision, attend your local Optometry Ireland optometrist as soon as possible.”
The eclipse is expected to provide a spectacular view across Ireland, but optometrists are reminding the public that there is no safe way to look directly at the sun without appropriate solar protection.