Iowa skywatchers catch partial solar eclipse Wednesday: What to know
Iowans looking up Wednesday afternoon will see the moon take a bite out of the sun as a partial solar eclipse sweeps across the northern United States. While the total eclipse will only be visible in Europe, Greenland and Iceland, Iowa is among 26 states where residents can safely view a partial eclipse, weather permitting.
NASA says the eclipse begins around 11:34 a.m. ET and peaks at 1:46 p.m. ET. For Iowans, the best viewing window falls in the early afternoon, with the moon covering a portion of the sun and creating the signature crescent shape that marks a partial eclipse.
When will Iowa see the partial eclipse?
Iowa is included in the partial viewing zone, along with neighboring states like Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. According to NASA, viewers in the north-central U.S. should start watching the sky around 11:30 a.m. Central Time.
The exact timing and coverage percentage for specific Iowa cities was not detailed in NASA's initial projections, but skywatchers across the state should see noticeable dimming as the moon passes between Earth and the sun.
Why Iowa won't see the total eclipse
The path of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun, stays well north of the continental U.S. this year. Only viewers in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small corner of Portugal will experience the full effect.
For Iowans, the moon will only partially cover the sun, similar to a cookie with a bite taken out of it, as NASA describes. That means no dramatic midday darkness like the one Americans experienced during the 2024 total eclipse, but still a rare celestial show worth stepping outside for.
How to view the eclipse safely in Iowa
Before heading outside, experts have a clear warning: looking at the sun without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. NASA says the sun's powerful rays can burn and damage your retinas if you don't take proper precautions.
The safest way to view the eclipse is with solar eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. NASA does not certify the safety of specific glasses, so buyers should check for the ISO designation on the product.
No glasses? Iowans can make a simple pinhole projector using household items. NASA's cereal box method involves cutting both ends off a box, covering one end with foil, and poking a small hole in it. A colander or paper plates with pushpins also work as projection viewers.
Will Iowa weather cooperate for eclipse viewing?
According to The Weather Channel, parts of the Upper Midwest, including areas near Iowa, are expected to have some of the clearest viewing conditions in the country. New England and northern Alaska also made the list for good viewing weather.
Cloudier conditions are expected in parts of the mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes region, Montana, the northern Plains and southern Alaska, which could spoil the view for some skywatchers.
Multiple celestial events happening Wednesday
Wednesday is shaping up to be a backyard astronomer's dream. In addition to the solar eclipse, skywatchers can catch a planetary alignment, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, and a new moon, all on the same day.
For those who can't step outside or want a closer look, NASA will offer live coverage of the total solar eclipse on its website and YouTube channel starting at 1:15 p.m. ET. The coverage will feature telescope views, footage from a WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft chasing the moon's shadow, and expert commentary.
What about the next total eclipse for Iowa?
While Wednesday's event is a partial show for Iowa, another long eclipse is coming in 2027, expected to last more than six minutes. The longest totality on record occurred on June 15, 743 B.C., off the coast of Kenya and Somalia, lasting 7 minutes and 28 seconds, according to NASA.
For now, Iowans should grab their eclipse glasses, check the sky in the early afternoon, and enjoy the celestial show.