IAS Public Talk – 2026 Total Solar Eclipse

Name: IAS Public Talk – 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Start: 2026-05-18T19:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-05-18T20:30:00+01:00
Location: Beech Hill, UCD, Eircode: D04 P7W1 · Dublin

May 18 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

For our May talk, the Society is delighted to welcome Michael O’Connell, who will present “2026 Total Solar Eclipse” at 7:30pm on Monday 18th May. Michael will explore the science and spectacle of total solar eclipses, with a specific focus on the upcoming eclipse of 12th August this year. It will take place at our usual venue in Beech Hill, UCD, Eircode D04 P7W1.

The talk will also be available via Webinar. Please join by clicking this link a few minutes before the start time.

Talk Description

Total solar eclipses are among the most awe-inspiring events in nature — moments when the Moon perfectly blocks the Sun, revealing the ethereal solar corona and plunging observers into an eerie twilight. In this talk, Michael O’Connell will share his experiences of chasing eclipses and discuss the science behind these remarkable events. He will give particular attention to the total solar eclipse of 12th August 2026, covering its path, what observers can expect, and how to plan for it — whether you’re travelling to the path of totality or watching from Ireland.

About the Speaker

Michael O’Connell is an amateur astronomer residing in Co. Kildare. He is a former chairperson of both the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS) and the Midlands Astronomy Club (MAC). Aside from chasing eclipses, Michael is an active solar observer, a member of the British Astronomical Association (BAA), and operates three meteor cameras from his home as part of the Global Meteor Network (GMN).