Iowa sky show: Perseid meteors, partial eclipse, planetary parade all on Aug. 12

Iowa stargazers are in for a rare treat this Wednesday, Aug. 12, as four celestial events converge in a single day: a planetary alignment before dawn, a partial solar eclipse in the afternoon, a new moon at night, and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. NASA calls the Perseids the best meteor shower of the year, and with the new moon darkening the sky, viewing conditions should be ideal.

For Iowa residents, the highlight will be the partial solar eclipse, visible across much of the state in the early afternoon. Combined with the meteor shower peaking that night, it adds up to a full day of sky-watching opportunities.

What celestial events are happening on Aug. 12?

According to NASA and Star Walk, here is the lineup for Aug. 12:

• Planetary parade: Six planets will align in the hours before sunrise, visible to the naked eye with clear skies.
• Partial solar eclipse: Visible in U.S. states from Alaska to North Carolina, beginning around 11:34 a.m. ET, with maximum coverage at 1:46 p.m. ET. Special eclipse glasses are required to view safely.
• Perseid meteor shower peak: Active from the evening of Aug. 12 through the morning of Aug. 13, producing 50 to 100 meteors per hour.
• New moon: Creates ideally dark skies for meteor viewing, per NASA.

Will Iowa see the solar eclipse?

Yes. Iowa is on the list of states that will see a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, according to National Eclipse and USA TODAY reporting. The sun will appear as a cookie with a small bite taken out, as NASA describes it.

The full total solar eclipse will only be visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. U.S. viewers, including Iowans, will see a partial version.

What time is the eclipse in Iowa?

Exact timing varies by city. NASA has published a list of eclipse times for cities across the U.S., and Iowa viewers should check local times to catch the peak around 1:46 p.m. ET (12:46 p.m. CT). For safety, always use certified solar eclipse glasses; regular sunglasses are not sufficient.

How to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Iowa

The Perseids are known for their bright, fast meteors. To get the best view, find a dark location away from city lights, lie back, and look toward the northeast after midnight. The new moon means no moonlight interference, so even faint meteors should be visible.

NASA recommends giving your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark and avoiding phone screens during viewing.

Why this matters for Iowa families

This is a perfect opportunity for Iowa families to step outside and share a moment of wonder. With no special equipment needed for the meteor shower, and only eclipse glasses needed for the afternoon event, it is an accessible and educational activity for all ages.

Check local weather forecasts and plan ahead to make the most of this rare celestial triple-header.

Contributing: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.