A chance to witness a solar eclipse next Friday morning, March 20th, in Ireland will commence at approx 8.30am.
Our optometrists are advising the public to exercise caution in viewing the solar eclipse as prolonged exposure to direct UV rays of the sun can burn the retina.
Solar Path
There will be a total solar eclipse over the Northern Hemisphere at the Faroe Islands (Norway) and a rare 92% partial eclipse over Ireland.
The eclipse will be visible from 8.30am in the morning, peaking at about 9.30 and complete by 10.40.
Here is a great animation of what you will see, you can choose your location: www.timeanddate.com
The different shades represent the different area’s seeing the total solar eclipse.
More than 90% of the sun is covered.
Up to 90% of the sun is covered.
Up to 40% of the sun is covered.
Eclipse is not visible at all.
Note: Percentage values (%) relate to moon coverage of the sun and depends on location. Visibility is weather permitting.
Solar Retinopathy
If the retina is damaged, vision is affected and it can take up to a year to heal, but in some cases there can be lasting damage known as Solar Retinopathy.
The Association said that the safest way to view the eclipse is to make a small hole in a card, hold it up to the sun and project the image on the ground or a second piece of white card. People should not view the sun directly through the hole.
Eclipse glasses
The eclipse can also be safely viewed through appropriate filters called Eclipse glasses. It is essential that these glasses have no scratches or damage to the lenses. The glasses should be available through Astronomy clubs or online.
A sharper image can be obtained by using a pair of binoculars. The binoculars should be set up on a stand or tripod, with the lenses directed at the sun and the eyepiece focussing on a piece of white card. The sun must not be viewed through the binoculars or telescope directly under any circumstances.