Iowa sky show: Partial solar eclipse coming August 12
By John Damon
Iowa skywatchers will get a brief but memorable show on August 12 when a partial solar eclipse sweeps across the state. The celestial event will be visible from 12:09 p.m. to 12:28 p.m. Central Time, offering a rare daytime glimpse of the moon passing between the sun and Earth.
While parts of the world will see a total solar eclipse, viewers in the United States — including Iowa — will only witness a partial eclipse. That means the sun will appear as a crescent as the moon covers a portion of its disk.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves directly between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. During a partial eclipse, the three bodies are not perfectly aligned, so only part of the sun is blocked from view.
The August 12 eclipse is a total solar eclipse for viewers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. But for Americans, including Iowans, it will be a partial eclipse.
Where can Iowans see the eclipse?
According to Time and Date, the partial eclipse will be visible across much of the northern United States. In Iowa, the entire state falls within the viewing zone. The best views will be in areas with clear skies and an unobstructed view of the sun.
Other states where the partial eclipse will be visible include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
When to watch in Iowa
The partial eclipse in Iowa will be brief, lasting only about 19 minutes. Here are the key times:
- Start: 12:09 p.m. CT
- End: 12:28 p.m. CT
Because the window is short, viewers should plan ahead. Find a location with a clear view of the southern sky, and be ready just after noon.
How to watch safely
Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Regular sunglasses are not safe. Use eclipse glasses or a solar filter for telescopes and binoculars. Pinhole projectors are a safe and easy alternative for indirect viewing.
For Iowa families, this is a great opportunity to teach kids about astronomy and the wonders of our solar system. Just remember: safety first.
For more detailed viewing times and maps, visit Time and Date or your local weather service.