Sky watchers treated to best solar eclipse in decades
Thousands of people gathered across the country to witness a rare partial solar eclipse, which covered more than 90% of the Sun.
A rare partial solar eclipse, visible across Ireland, captivated thousands of spectators who gathered to experience the celestial phenomenon. The eclipse covered more than 90% of the Sun, creating a spectacular sight across the country. Dublin's Phoenix Park saw one of the largest crowds, with enthusiastic onlookers cheering and clapping as the moon gradually covered the sun.
Various organizations, including observatories at Dunsink, Armagh, and Blackrock Castle, organized viewing events to ensure safe observation. Public gatherings also took place at Maynooth University in Co Kildare and Queen's University Belfast. At Croke Park, crowds watched the eclipse during a friendly football match between Manchester United and Leeds United.
Spectators resorted to homemade viewers, fashioned from cereal boxes and cardboard, to view the event safely. The last solar eclipse visible in Ireland occurred in 1999, making this event particularly memorable for many. Irish scientists, including astronomers from the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, prepared for an aerial mission during the eclipse to gather data about the Sun.
They flew towards Iceland using an Air Corps aircraft, collaborating with the European Space Agency and Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics to capture images of the corona, the inner part of the sun's atmosphere.
Written by urgent.news from RTE News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
