Solar eclipse on Wednesday

Only watch with special glasses. Images: RTE.

A deep partial solar eclipse will be visible, weather permitting, in Ireland on the early evening of Wednesday next, 12 August, writes Brian Byrne. But do not be tempted to watch it directly without proper, CE-certified Eclipse Glasses!

The event will be visible in the western sky, about 15 degrees above the horizon, starting at around 6.40pm when light levels begin to drop. The maximum eclipse will be around 7.10pm, with faded colours, sharp shadows, and some unusual tree-dappling lighting effects.

Coverage of up to 95 per cent of the sun will be visible in the Leinster region at the maximum. Again, a warning: DO NOT stare at the crescent Sun without proper eye protection, or permanent damage could result — ORDINARY SUNGLASSES ARE NOT A PROTECTION.

The next significant eclipse visible in Ireland is not due until 2090. The last one was in 1999. The full eclipse will be visible in a swathe across northern, central and eastern Spain.

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