When and how to safely watch the solar eclipse in Ireland
A good vantage point for the 3-mintue spectacle is advised on the western horizon
A partial solar eclipse is said to be visible across Ireland this evening.
The spectacle is due to begin on Monday April 8, 2024 at 7:55pm, and is expected to occur on or before 8:10pm, before it ends at roughly 8:13pm.
Depending on cloud coverage, astronomers at Astronomy Ireland say: "As it will be close to sunset a good vantage point with a clear view to the setting sun on the western horizon is advised."
On how to watch the spectacle, a spokesperson for Astronomy Ireland has said: "Of course it can be highly dangerous to view the sun and a partially eclipsed sun is just as dangerous – perhaps more so as people will be drawn to looking at it. Never look at the sun with any optical aid (binoculars or telescopes) as permanent eye damage can happen instantly.
"It is not even safe to look at the sun with just the naked eye and even several pairs of sunglasses should not be used.
"You should keep these glasses after the eclipse for viewing giant ‘naked eye’ sunspots that appear from time to time (especially with a new solar maximum on its way)."
Parts of Canada and the US will experience a total solar eclipse, but the next total eclipse of the sun visible from Ireland will not be until the year 2090.