Eclipse26 - An All-Ireland Approach to Engaging the Public with the 2026 Solar Eclipse

Eclipse26 (www.eclipse26.ie) is a public engagement programme that will serve as the central hub for education, outreach and media engagement about the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse in Ireland. During this event, Ireland will experience a deep partial solar eclipse, with approximately 92–98% solar coverage depending on location. 

Eclipse26 will maximise public engagement through a coordinated all-island strategy that includes the dissemination of safe viewing guidance, accessible scientific explanations of eclipses, and the promotion of eclipse-related events hosted by institutions and organisations across the island. 

Eclipse26 also highlights the rich historical legacy of eclipse expeditions involving Irish solar physicists (e.g., Annie Maunder) and Irish scientific instruments (e.g., the Grubb Coelostat at the 1919 in Brazil).

Building on experience gained from major public engagement activities during the 2015 eclipse, the team is developing observational opportunities designed to enhance the visitor experience at Dunsink Observatory, Birr Castle Demesne, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium and Met Eireann's Valentia Observatory. 

While still in planning at the time of writing, we also aim to engage the general public with an exciting expedition to observe the total solar eclipse from an aircraft off the west coast of Ireland.

Here, we present the resources, partnerships, and strategic framework underpinning this all-Ireland initiative, and discuss the programme’s anticipated outcomes, impact, and operational challenges.