Cloud to spoil views of partial solar eclipse

Astronomy enthusiasts will be left disappointed this Saturday as overcast conditions will prevent viewing opportunities of a partial solar eclipse.

The eclipse will take place at 11.00am when an estimated 40% of the sun will be covered by the March New Moon as it passes between Earth and the Sun.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, there will be no noticeable darkening of the sky or visible solar corona over Ireland.

First contact in the partial eclipse, when the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun, begins at 10:01 am.

Maximum eclipse occurs 59 minutes later at 11.00am.

Despite the predicted overcast conditions, Astronomy Ireland says it is holding a Solar Eclipse Watch event for the public at its Dublin headquarters facility from 9.30am to midday on Saturday.

According to Astronomy Ireland, “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,” it added.

Saturday’s eclipse comes just two weeks after a total lunar eclipse took place in Ireland.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. The moon appeared red/orange when it is was the Earth’s shadow.

Saturday’s overcast setup is associated with a band of scattered heavy showers across the northern half of Ireland, which will be followed by an extended period of dry weather.

There will be some passing light showers at times in the west and northwest early next week, but all areas will enjoy long spells of sunshine at times.

It will become mild or even warm as the week progresses, with temperatures rising into the late teens later in the week and, perhaps, reaching 20°C in the west and The Midlands.