The eclipse is predicted to begin at around 6.10pm and will last for two hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The eclipse will reach its maximum peak about hour after it starts.<\/p>\n
Niall Smith, head of the Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, said this timing will make it especially visible across the island.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s happening at around 7.15 in the evening and is closest to the horizon. That means you have this lovely counterpoint between the eclipse and the horizon itself. So very often eclipses are maybe very high overhead, but this is beautifully framed\u201d, he told The Journal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786267395_375_.PNG\")
\n Map of August 12th eclispe. eclipse26.ie<\/p>\n
eclipse26.ie<\/p>\n
What exactly can we expect to see?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Peter Gallagher, astrophysicist and director of the Dunsink observatory, said that when the eclipse happens we can expect to see \u201ca little bite taken out of the sun, and that little bite will progressively get bigger and bigger\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be like dusk or dawn and go noticeably dark just after 7pm\u201d, he told\u00a0The Journal.<\/p>\n
He also noted that eclipses can have effects on birds and animals, who can get confused when they think it\u2019s suddenly dusk or dawn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s going to be interesting to listen out to see if birds start singing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Spectators have also reported a noticeable cooling of the air during an eclipse.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, Gallagher stressed the importance of not looking directly at the sun without using solar glasses or other protection such as cardboard projectors which can be made at\u00a0home<\/a>.<\/p>\n If there are clouds in the sky, people may be tempted to remove glasses for a better view, but this should be avoided.<\/p>\n Will it make a difference where I am in Ireland?\u00a0<\/p>\n In some parts of the island the obstruction of the sun is expected to be slightly lower than in the southwest.\u00a0<\/p>\n For example, Dublin is expected to see 96% coverage and Belfast less at 93%.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, Smith maintained that this will only make a modest difference in the effect of the eclipse.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re encouraging people to just go out in your locality, and it\u2019ll be amazing in your locality. It\u2019s one of these great events because to the average viewer, they would be hard-pressed to see a real difference between Cork and Dublin,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Why is it significant for scientists?<\/p>\n For scientists and astronomers, a solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity for further discovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n Gallagher is part of a team of scientists to fly a specially equipped Irish Air Corps aircraft off Ireland\u2019s west coast during the solar eclipse.<\/p>\n By flying three hours west of the island, the team can observe and photograph a total eclipse.<\/p>\n The sun\u2019s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, is to be studied using a new airborne telescope called E-CorMag.<\/p>\n These observations will help scientists better understand the sun\u2019s magnetic activity and its effects throughout the solar system.<\/p>\n Gallagher noted that this mission has taken a year to plan and involves teams from Ireland and Italy.<\/p>\n Peter Gallagher\n<\/p>\n What is the best way to view the eclipse?\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786267396_576_.PNG\")
\n Total solar eclipse in Wyoming, USA in 2017. Peter Gallagher<\/p>\n