Ireland Will Get The Tail End Of The Solar Eclipse Sweeping Across The US Today

Due to a rare cosmic coincidence happening today, many parts of the US will darken throughout the day due to a solar eclipse. The astronomical event of the decade will involve two whole minutes of darkness.

While not as spectacular, Ireland is also set to benefit from the experience - with a partial eclipse to be expected shortly before sunset.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon sweeps between Earth and the Sun, blocking views of the whole Sun. The place where the Sun should be will look like a black circle in the sky and we should feel a slight temperature drop as it happens.

Wherever keen astrologers are in Ireland, the partial eclipse is set to start at around 19:38, peak at around 20:03, and end at around 20:27. Although, timings will vary with location: earlier in the northeast, later in the southwest.

Astronomy Ireland, which has advice on safe eclipse viewing, is hosting viewing events at both Rosemount Business Park in Dublin and Kingsmeadow, Old Cork Road, Waterford between 7.30pm and 8.30pm this evening.