{
  "id": 632514,
  "title": "Solar eclipse will see Moon cover over 90% of Sun",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/solar-eclipse-will-see-moon-cover-over-90-of-sun",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-12T03:35:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0812/1587522-solar-eclipse/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thousands of individuals flocked across Ireland to observe a remarkable partial solar eclipse, which obscured more than 90% of the Sun. One of the largest gatherings took place at Phoenix Park in Dublin, where a multitude of spectators assembled to experience this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical phenomenon. Cheers and applause erupted as the skies darkened as the Moon gradually covered the Sun. A telescope was set up to ensure safe viewing for attendees, while others brought their own makeshift viewing devices constructed from cereal boxes.\n\nColm Healey from Dublin expressed his excitement about the opportunity to witness this rare celestial event, stating, \"It is great to see the crowds here and so many people that are interested. I have got my eclipse glasses so I'm well prepared.\" Jack Donovan and Paul Cantwell, who traveled from Wicklow, shared their enthusiasm, remarking, \"We wanted to come because we'll never see anything like it again. It’s such a rare occasion, it’s cool.\" They did not possess eclipse glasses but hoped to view the eclipse through the telescope.\n\nAt Croke Park, spectators marveled at the eclipse before a friendly football match between Manchester United and Leeds United. Two resourceful stewards brought along welding masks to safely view the eclipse. Observatories in Dunsink and Armagh, along with Blackrock Castle in Cork, organized viewing events, while public events were held at Maynooth University in Co. Kildare and Queen's University Belfast. Armagh Observatory and the Blackrock Castle welcomed several hundred visitors, who were provided with specialized telescopes and 400 pairs of special eclipse glasses, which were quickly sold out. Many attendees arrived with homemade eclipse viewers fashioned from cardboard boxes.\n\nHundreds gathered at Bell's Field in Cork City to witness the partial solar eclipse. The last eclipse visible in Ireland occurred in 1999, and this event was visible in Irish skies just after 6pm, with maximum coverage shortly after 7pm. Irish scientists were also preparing for an aerial mission during the eclipse to gather vital information about the Sun. A team of astronomers from the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, in collaboration with colleagues from the European Space Agency and Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics, flew towards Iceland via the Air Corps. They utilized a specialized camera to capture images of the corona, the inner part of the Sun's atmosphere, which is clearly visible during a solar eclipse when the Sun's disc is obscured.",
  "summary": "More than 90% of the Sun is due to be covered by the Moon this evening in a partial solar eclipse that will be possible to view across the country.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC News",
        "title": "UK to get best eclipse since 1999 as Moon blocks out Sun across Europe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/uk-to-get-best-eclipse-since-1999-as-moon-blocks-out-sun-across-europe",
        "published": "2026-08-11T23:17:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}