Eclipse Animation of what the eclipse will appear like in Des Moines at it’s maximum coverage.

 

Many are looking forward to partial eclipse that is set to occur in across large parts of the northern hemisphere on Thursday afternoon and evening. The eclipse will be caused by the moon casting the lighter, outer part of its shadow, the penumbra, on Earth. This will be a partial eclipse and the sun will appear to have a large bite taken out of it. It will occur in the evening hours as the sun is low in the sky and starts to set.  The best views and maximum coverage northern parts of North America, Northern Canada will have that maximum coverage and will nearly have the entire sun covered. Here in Iowa about 60% of the sun will be covered. Now some are questioning if we will see the eclipse or not becuase of weather conditions, and this will depend on how fast an approaching weak weather system can move through our state. Right now I am very confidant we will have good viewing in most areas. Clouds and rain will quickly clear from west to east and it will clear most of the state but the time the eclipse starts. Those in far eastern Iowa in such places as Keokuk and Davenport will have the greatest chance that clouds may impact the event. Right now even here clouds are supposed to clear in time for the event.  Western Iowa has the highest likelihood of clear skies, as they should even have sun by the late morning hours. Below is a list of times of the expected eclipse for Iowa cities

Reminder about safety! Remember it is never a good idea to look directly at the sun as this is not safe for your eyes. Use the proper equipment!

 

Projected eclipse times

Start time/maximum eclipse – Forecasted sky conduction

Des Moines, 4:31pm/5:41pm-Clear skies

Davenport 4:35pm/5:43pm-Cloudy with clearing skies

Cedar Rapids  4:33pm/5:42pm-Clear skies

Sioux City 4:26pm/5:38pm-Clear skies

Omaha/Council Bluffs 4:29pm/5:41pm- Clear Skies