Armagh is preparing for an unusually deep partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, with the Moon expected to cover approximately 94% of the Sun and turn the evening sky into a striking crescent of light.
The event will be the deepest eclipse visible from the region since the total eclipse of August 1999. It will also be the last eclipse of this kind visible here until 2090, according to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP), which is organising a full day of family activities around the event.
When to see the eclipse from Armagh
The eclipse is due to begin at approximately 6.10pm, reach its maximum at around 7.08pm and conclude shortly after 8pm. Because the Sun will be dropping towards the horizon, observers can expect to see the partially covered Sun glowing low in the western evening sky.
At its peak, only a very thin sliver of sunlight will remain visible. The event follows the partial eclipse of March 2025, when around 40% of the Sun was obscured, but the August eclipse will be considerably deeper.
There will be no total eclipse in Armagh. The narrow path of totality will pass across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. However, AOP Director Professor Michael Burton said the 94% partial eclipse would still be an extraordinary sight.
“While we won’t encounter totality here – only a narrow path across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain will be fortunate enough to encounter this – a 94% partial eclipse is an extraordinary sight in its own right.”
Professor Burton said the last time skies over Ireland darkened to a similar extent was in 1999, when people travelled to Cornwall to stand under the path of totality. This time, he said, there would be no need for Armagh residents to travel.
“You don’t need to travel anywhere this time – history is coming to us.”
Family activities at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
AOP will host activities from 10am until 8pm, giving families the opportunity to learn about the eclipse before watching it unfold. The programme will include hands-on science demonstrations, dome shows and eclipse-themed events suitable for all ages.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, the AOP team will be available to answer questions about the eclipse and the wider universe. Staff will also provide safe ways to view the Sun as the key stages of the eclipse approach.
Professor Burton said the aim was to make the event memorable for families, with activities explaining the science behind eclipses and how astronomers observe the Sun safely.
“We want this to be a day the whole family remembers.”
He added that visitors would be able to take part in the daytime programme before joining observers outside for the eclipse itself.
“Visitors will be able to learn about the science of eclipses, discover how astronomers safely observe the Sun, and enjoy a programme of activities suitable for all ages before joining us outside as the real thing unfolds.”
How to watch the Sun safely
AOP has issued a clear warning that people must never look directly at the Sun, including during a partial eclipse. Looking through the naked eye, binoculars or a camera can damage eyesight because sunlight contains strong and harmful ultraviolet light.
Safe viewing requires eclipse glasses or suitable solar filters. The source also outlines a simple pinhole projector option using a cardboard box, tin foil and white paper.
“The Sun is never safe to look at directly with the naked eye, binoculars or a camera, no matter how much of it is covered by the Moon.”
Although hopes are high for good weather in Armagh, the observatory says the event will still offer a reason for people to attend if cloud obscures the eclipse.
“Clear skies or cloudy, the eclipse gives us a wonderful reason to come together and think about our place in the cosmos.”
Further information about the eclipse and the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium programme is available at armagh.space.