This Wednesday, the solar eclipse is expected to bring about 98% coverage of the sun from just after 6pm.

The full extent of the solar eclipse will be evident at about 7pm with the solar event wrapped up at 8pm.

This ‘once in a lifetime’ event will not be seen again, experts say, until 2090.

Viewing the Eclipse

Events across the country are taking place, in the style of a ‘viewing party’ of sorts.

Locally, the South East Astronomy Group will be holding a watch party on the green from 6pm in Hillview in Waterford City.

Events around the country are sold out in many cases, the observatories in Cork, Dublin, and Armagh being examples of those.

Viewing Glasses

As tempting as it might be to run outside to take a look, the official advice is clear- do not attempt to view the eclipse with the naked eye.

Similarly, ordinary sunglasses are not suitable either, nor is wearing multiple pairs of sunglasses.

Instead, special viewing glasses are available to purchase conforming to the ISO 12312-2 standard, which include a special filter and lense to protect the retina of the eye from damage.

These are available from some retailers, as well as from some of the official groups organising viewing parties.

For those who were not in a position to obtain some of the viewing glasses, a homemade option can be made by placing a pinhole in cardboard and viewing through this medium.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

For about two hours from 6pm, the moon will move in front of the sun and will cause a black-out of the sun gradually increasing in intensity until the moon passes the sun at approximately 8pm.

For that time, day becomes night with the sun itself never completely disappearing, a rare phenomenon which will not be seen again until 2090.