Several gatherings are scheduled across the country for viewers to enjoy the phenomenon.

Space enthusiasts are abuzz for August as they wait for a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse that will swallow nearly the entire sun.

The eclipse is set to start at around 6.15pm on 12 August, reach its maximum an hour later and end at around 8.08pm. It will be the largest eclipse visible from Ireland until 2090 and will offer viewers in Europe the opportunity to witness the eclipse as the sun sets.

The total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a portion of Portugal. Across the world, parts of northern US, much of Canada and north-western Africa will also witness the phenomenon.

In Ireland, Cork is best-positioned to watch the eclipse, with 96pc of the sun expected to be covered at the eclipse’s peak. Around 94pc of the sun will be covered in Dublin and 93pc in Belfast.

Several gatherings are scheduled across the country for viewers to go enjoy the astronomical phenomenon, including Maynooth University, which is organising a watch party alongside a live planetarium show, arts and crafts for kids and short talks.

Munster Technological University (MTU)’s award-winning Blackrock Castle Observatory is providing 6,500 free solar eclipse glasses through select locations across Cork.

Astronomy experts from the Observatory have advised that anyone looking directly at the sun should wear certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Ordinary sunglasses do not promise adequate protection, they warn. Cameras, binoculars and telescopes require correctly fitted solar filters, while pinhole projectors offer a safe, indirect alternative.

“Cork’s position in the south-west means it is Ireland’s best-positioned major city for the solar eclipse, and Ireland’s natural ‘Eclipse Capital’,” said Dr Niall Smith, the head of research at MTU and head of MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory.

“It will be a spectacular moment and a rare opportunity for people across Cork to experience a major astronomical event together.

“Safety must be at the centre of everyone’s plans. There will be no point during the eclipse when it is safe to look directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses or another approved viewing method.”

Free public activities will also take place at the observatory, with members of the public getting the opportunity to meet astronomy experts, learn about safe eclipse viewing, enjoy music and family activities. Visitors can also enjoy solar eclipse lino-printing and pinhole-projector activities planned for the gathering.

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.