A partial solar eclipse is to be visible across Ireland today at around 7.55pm, when the moon passes between the sun and earth.
Astronomy Ireland described the pending cosmic event as “quite a deep partial eclipse” as up to 55% of the sun’s diameter will be covered by the moon.
The eclipse officially begins at 7.55pm and ends at 8.13pm, reaching its maximum 0.26 magnitude at 8.10pm.
The west is set to see the best sights – weather permitting – as the sun will be close to setting in the western sky, helping those further west to see more of the eclipse than those on the east coast.
Astronomy Ireland advised those hoping to catch a glimpse of the eclipse to choose a viewing location with an “unobstructed western horizon,” but added that cloud cover will likely be a more important factor than location.
This is taking place as the US gears up to view a total solar eclipse, one of which generally occurs somewhere on Earth every 18 months or so.
The US saw by stroke of fortune a total solar eclipse in 2017, but its next will come only in 2044.
The ‘path of totality’ will stretch from newfoundland, Canada in the northeast of the North American continent to Mexico in the southwest. About 31.6 million people live along this strip of land where the moon will block out the sun entirely, with some estimating that over one million people will travel into the shadow’s path.
“Eclipses have a special power,” NASA administrator Bill Nelson said ahead of today’s eclipse.
“They move people to feel a kind of reverence for the beauty of our universe.”
The last time a total eclipse was visible from Ireland was in 1724 – exactly 400 years ago – with Astronomy Ireland chairman David Moore saying that the next won’t be until the year 2090.
Those planning on looking skywards this evening are advised to do so safely, ideally with a pair of real solar eclipse glasses. Experts have warned that it is dangerous to behold the sun with the naked eye, or even wearing several pairs of sunglasses.