Cork is Ireland's best location to view tonight's solar eclipse from 6.15pm

Cork is set to be among the best place to view tonight’s solar eclipse, the likes of which will not be seen again until 2090.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, obscuring the view of the sun from a small part of earth.

Cork's position in the south-west makes it Ireland's best-positioned major city to view the eclipse, which will see 97% of the sun blocked by the moon, bringing about a noticeable reduction in daylight this evening, beginning at 6.15pm, reaching maximum darkness at 7.13pm and ending at 8.08pm.

MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory will be hosting three public viewings at Bell’s Field on the city's northside, the Blackrock Observatory, and Tramore Valley Park, from 6pm to 8.30pm, while Seachurch in Ballycotton will also host a viewing event.

People are being warned not to look directly at the sun without the right protection. Those viewing from home are urged to only attempt to view the eclipse with the right equipment.

It is recommended that people use eclipse glasses which are specifically designed for viewing the eclipse, and to ensure these glasses are from a reputable source.

Blackrock Castle Observatory has free solar eclipse glasses, donated by Rochester Museum and Science Center, available for collection at the observatory but stock is limited.

Some science museums, planetariums and observatories may have glasses available, as well as branches of Specsavers and Boots Opticians.

The observatory’s website also has advicde on protective equipment you can make at home – experts have warned that looking directly at the eclipse without protection could seriously damage your eyes.

Dog owners are also being warned that their pets could display unusual behaviour during the eclipse, as the unexpected change in daylight and temperature could temporarily disrupt the environmental cues they use to understand their daily routine.

People with solar panels are being encouraged by Solar Ireland to watch their solar output fall and then recover through the app that monitors their systems.