Kildare University to host public viewing of deepest solar eclipse in decades

A “once in a generation” chance to see the deepest solar eclipse in decades is being promoted by Kildare’s Maynooth University. The Department of Physics is holding an upcoming Solar Eclipse Evening on Wednesday, August 12 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Notably, the next solar eclipse with more than 90% of the Sun obscured will not be visible from Ireland until 2090, making this a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

This free public event combines safe eclipse viewing with a series of accessible talks and family-friendly demonstrations exploring the science of the Sun and its influence on our world. The eclipse provides a rare opportunity to engage the public with topics including astronomy, climate science, renewable energy, quantum physics and space research.

Throughout the evening, visitors will be able to view the eclipse safely using specialist solar viewing equipment and hear from leading researchers, with talks including:

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The Story of the Sun – Dr Emma Whelan

The Quantum Sun – Dr Joshuah Heath

(Electric) Power from the Sun: The Good, the Bad, and the Glinty! – Dr Marcin Gradziel

The Star of the Show: How the Sun Drives Our Climate – Dr Michelle McCrystall

Einstein and the Eclipse – Prof Peter Coles

Will Our Sun Go Supernova? – Dr Patrick Kavanagh