Analysis: We'll get a rare close-by view of a total solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse and two spectacular meteor showers in the coming months
By cosmic coincidence, both the Moon and Sun appear the same size in the sky. The Sun is 400 times the width of the Moon, but appears the same size at 400 times the distance. When the Moon passes in front of the Sun, it blocks its dazzling globe, darkening the sky to reveal the stars of the daytime sky and the Sun's glorious atmosphere to spectacular effect.
Usually, it's only those within a narrow 300 kilometre strip on Earth where the Moon's shadow is cast who witness such alignment. While those close by will see a partial eclipse, most see no hint of the eclipse unfolding. But on 12 August, we in Ireland get a rare close-by view of a total solar eclipse whose shadow travels along a narrow strip from Iceland to north Spain and on route passes just beyond the west coast Ireland!
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From RTÉ News, coverage of the deepest solar eclipse in Ireland in some 10 years in 2025
While we won't see totality, we will be treated to a near-total eclipse where 94% in Dublin and 97% in the southwest of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. Commencing at 6pm, near totality occurs for a few minutes around 7.10pm when the sky will dim noticeably before brightening again and the event over by 8pm. Prepare by purchasing a set of authorised solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, because the Sun will remain intensely bright even when 97% covered by the Moon.
Of course, you should never look at the Sun directly with the unaided eye, and especially not ever with any optical device where instant and permanent blindness is assured. With the next total solar eclipse visible from Ireland not until 2090, this will be the best such event for many of us in our life time.
Lunar eclipse
A benefit of the solar eclipse is a lunar eclipse two weeks later on the morning of Friday August 28 when the Moon is on the other side of its orbit about the Earth, and this time the Earth's shadow falls upon the Moon and dims it significantly over several hours.
You'll need to be up early as near-totality (94% lunar coverage by Earth's shadow) occurs at 5am! Expect to see the Moon become a deep red colour as the Earth's shadow covers the Moon but its atmosphere also refracts the Sun's red light onto the lunar surface; and if you look carefully you'll also see the curvature of the Earth upon the Moon too.
The planets and meteors
Further afield the planets continue on their perpetual paths about the Sun, seen by us as a slowly moving parade of celestial wanderers through the constellations of the zodiac as the weeks and months pass. Jupiter is now glorious in view in the constellation of Gemini. Look south and high up where you cannot miss its steady golden illumination. If you have binoculars, steady them on a balcony ledge, garden fence or a sweeping-brush handle to view this glorious king of planets and its four sparkling Galilean moons.
February 28 will provide a beautiful spectacle to the unaided eye by looking west just after sunset where you will spot the planets Mercury, Venus and Saturn close together, while further south Jupiter appears close to the Moon to complete the spectacle. Just over a week later on March 8, revisit the scene where you'll now see Venus and Saturn extremely close together. Similarly, Jupiter and Venus will appear close together on June 8 in the western sky after sunset, and as the two brightest objects in the night sky after the Moon, will present a spectacular sight.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Kevin Nolan on how many meteors have landed in Ireland
We round up this whistle-stop tour of the sky by mentioning the two most prominent meteor showers of the year - the Perseids on the night of August 12 to 13, and the Geminids on December 14. Wrap up well, no optical aids needed - only patience and a beverage! - give yourself 10 to 15 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark, and if you simply look up and around the sky on those nights you may witness up to 100 shooting stars per hour. There is nothing like an eventful meteor shower to bestow a potent sense of connection with the sky above.
Explore further
To explore Space further, both Irish Astronomy Week (March 20-28) and Space Week (October 4-10) will feature hundreds of events nationally. Ireland is fortunate to have wonderful amateur astronomical societies such as the Irish Astronomical Society, the Irish Astronomical Association and Astronomy Ireland, where new members are always welcome. The Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, Dunsink Observatory in Dublin, and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium all offer excellently scheduled cosmic events.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, travel writer Ed Finn and astronomer and telescope operator at Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork Danielle Wilcox on dark sky tourism and discovering the sky at night
Our ancient and rich astronomical heritage is accessible by visiting Newgrange in Co Meath and the Rosse Observatory at Birr Castle Demense in Co Offaly. For some of the best possible dark skies in all of Europe, be sure to visit our by now renowned Dark Sky Reserve in Kerry, Mayo Dark Sky Park and the OM Dark Sky Park in Co Tyrone. Donegal also offers stunning clear night skies.
With all of this, our young people of 2026 and beyond can expect exciting careers in astronomy and space. Our universities are now ready to guide them toward realising that expectation, with a mature and diverse space industry both on this island and internationally awaiting their visionary ideas and talents.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
