The closest to a complete solar eclipse most of us are ever likely to see will occur at sunset on Wednesday, August 12th.A total eclipse of the sun will miss Ireland by only a couple of hundred kilometres, and will be fully visible in parts of Portugal and northern Spain.However, for Ireland, it will be the next best thing, with 93 per cent coverage of the sun in the north and up to 98 per cent coverage in the extreme southwest. The Irish Times has compiled what you need to know here - from timings to proper eye protection. Are you watching the eclipse? Are you travelling to a good view point, or having a viewing party? Is this your first chance to see a solar eclipse from Ireland, or did you see the last one in 1999? Have you got the proper eye protection prepared? The Irish Times would like to hear from you – feel free to share your eclipse photos and thoughts about the spectacle. You can let us know what you think using the form below. Please limit your submissions to 400 words or less. Please include a phone number for verification purposes only. We will keep your contact details confidential. If you would prefer to remain anonymous in any published articles, please indicate this in your submission.We will curate a selection of submissions for an article but please note we may not publish every submission we receive.