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8th April 2024
04:05pm BST
A partial solar eclipse will be visible in Ireland on Monday, April 8, according to astronomers.
A total eclipse is expected in the US - the first since 2017 - however we'll still get a chance to see the partial eclipse over here for a small period of time - just before 8pm on Monday evening.
Totality occurs when the moon completely covers the sun's disk, turning daylight into darkness.
As well as Ireland, the eclipse will be partially seen in other parts of Europe, including Norway, Iceland, western parts of Great Britain, north-west parts of Spain and Portugal, the Azores and the Canary Islands.
According to the BBC's The Sky at Night magazine, the amount of the eclipse seen varies with location, with those further to the west of Ireland getting the best views.
Speaking on Newstalk on Sunday morning, astronomer David Moore said cloud cover will be the main obstacle behind catching a glimpse at the phenomenon.
"My advice to people trying to watch Eclipse is always, it’s happening overhead, go out and look even if the forecast is for a storm," he said.
“I do remember an eclipse 10 years ago and there was a storm like Kathleen forecasted for Ireland and no one was expecting to see anything.
“Yet we got reports published in Astronomy Ireland of people who got a break in Clonmel for just a few minutes, enough to see and take a few quick pictures.
“Weather forecasts, I’m afraid, are not as accurate as say the movements of the celestial bodies which we can predict to second accuracy.
“We know for a fact the eclipses going to happen – whether there’s going to be a cloud over your head is another story.”
The three counties that will have the best views of the eclipse are Galway, Kerry, and Mayo and you should look out over the ocean in clear weather conditions to better your chances of getting a good look.
Moore added: “The ultimate place would be on the west coast on top of a hill looking out over the ocean.
“People in the west of Ireland will see it a little bit more than people in the east.”
Experts say that as always with any solar eclipse, it’s imperative that the event is viewed through eclipse glasses or through a telescope or equivalent fitted with a certified solar filter.
This warning is vital even as the low setting sun may not seem as bright, it can still damage eyesight.
The partial eclipse will be occur in Ireland at around 8pm on Monday evening, when the sun is setting. It is recommended to those looking to view it to find a spot at around 7.55pm.
If you are lucky enough to see the eclipse, then the main advice is this - do not stare directly at it with your bare eyes.
Remember, this is still the Sun we're talking about, and whilst it will be partially covered, the UV rays will still be strong enough to potentially damage your eyes.
You should always watch a solar eclipse using special glasses which block UV rays.
While there will be many chances in the near future to see a partial solar eclipse in Ireland, the next total eclipse isn't due until 2090.
Header image via Pixabay.
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