Evelyn de Oliveira and her son travelled up to Dublin today to get solar eclipse glasses to view this evening's significant astronomical event
A Johnstown mother has shared her reason for why this evening's solar eclipse event is a special one for her and her son.
Evelyn de Oliveira and her 3-and-a-half-year-old son, Lucca, travelled up to Dublin today to get solar eclipse glasses to view the significant astronomical event, which will not be seen again in Ireland until 2090.
Speaking to Kfm News, Ms de Oliveira detailed her recent receival of a difficult diagnosis, which has led her to start "looking at life through different eyes.
"Small moments seem more beautiful now. Ordinary days feel more precious. And more than anything, the time I spend with my son has taken on an even deeper meaning", she said.
Whilst standing in the the long queues for the solar eclipse glasses, the thought crossed her mind that "that this could possibly be the last solar eclipse [she will] ever get to experience with Lucca."
Evelyn de Oliveira and Lucca de Oliveira
"Lucca was an incredible little companion throughout the whole experience", noted Ms de Oliveira.
"He patiently stayed with me during those two hours. A lovely woman in the queue even gave Lucca an ice cream while we were waiting, which made the long wait feel like a little adventure for him."
Nearly a thousand people lined up outside a shop on George's Street in Dublin city centre to buy the glasses ahead of the solar eclipse tonight.
Ms de Oliveira said she was approached by multiple journalists whilst queuing, something she noted that caught her off guard.
That is when she reached out to Kfm News, hoping to share her story after realising it was an opportunity she did not want to miss.
When to see tonight's solar eclipse:
The Moon will begin moving across the Sun shortly after 6pm, with maximum coverage just after 7pm.
Between 94 and 98 per cent of the sun is expected to be obscured depending on where you are in the country.
Viewing events are being held nationwide, including one at Maynooth University.
Astronomers are warning people not to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection.
Dr Emma Whelan, associate professor of physics at Maynooth University has this advice for people who don't have special viewing glasses:
Maynooth University Hosts Special Solar Eclipse Event This Evening
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