On April 8, 2024, an awe-inspiring celestial event will unfold across North America as a full totality eclipse traverses the skies, gracing Mexico, the United States, and Canada with its breathtaking presence. Along the path of totality, fortunate spectators will witness the rare spectacle of the Sun’s corona, normally obscured by the Sun’s radiant surface. While Des Moines won’t be in the direct path for a total solar eclipse, we are in for a treat with a partial eclipse, promising a remarkable astronomical display, nonetheless.
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Solar Eclipse Events in Des Moines
Here are events happening in the Des Moines area and beyond celebrating the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse:
Ames Public Library
Join the Ames Public Library for Solar Eclipse 2024! on April 2, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Speakers from Ames Area Amateur Astronomers will present about solar eclipse tracking, facts, and techniques to view this historic celestial event. Eclipse glasses will be available to take home (while supplies last). Families are also invited to a special Storybook Science about eclipses Friday, April 5, at 10:30am.
Clive Public Library
Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy for Space Saturday: Solar Eclipse on April 6, 2024 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Dan will explain the different kinds of solar and lunar eclipses, how they work, and how to view them safely. Build your own lunar and solar eclipse model and take a pair of certified-safe eclipse glasses home with you. This FREE event is for ages 10 and up and registration is required.
Grimes Public Library
Make sure to visit the Grimes Public Library to delve deeper into information about the forthcoming solar eclipse. You can engage with Solar Eclipse Learning Stations and secure your own solar viewing glasses, available while supplies last. Drop by on Thursday, April 4, anytime between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to participate.
Johnston Public Library
The Johnston Public Library will be hosting Solar Eclipse Story Time on April 8, 2024, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Get your eclipse glasses and learn all about the sun with stories and songs.
Science Center of Iowa
Join SCI at the Drake Municipal Observatory on April 8, 2024, from 12:00 to 2:30 pm for their 2024 Solar Eclipse Party. Staff and volunteers will provide telescopes with solar filters for the public to safely view the eclipse. Tickets are NOT required for this FREE outdoor event.
South Side Library
The South Side Library will host a Solar Eclipse Scavenger Hunt, April 1-13, 2024. Stop by the library to find all items related to the solar eclipse listed on the scavenger hunt sheet, and you could win a prize.
Story County Conservation
Join Story County Conservation for a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on April 8, 2024, from 12:45 to 2:00 pm. Co-hosted by Ames Area Amateur Astronomers. There will be some hands-on activities, and solar eclipse viewing glasses provided. Feel free to drop by and go as you please for the FREE event. No registration required and all ages welcome.
Urbandale Public Library
Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy for The Science of Eclipses on March 28, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Dan will explain what a total solar eclipse is, why Iowa will only see a partial eclipse, what to look for and when, and how to view the eclipse safely. Participants will receive a free pair of solar glasses.
West Des Moines Public Library
The West Des Moines Public Library will host an Eclipse Glasses Giveaway. To get FREE eclipse glasses from the WDM Public Library, you MUST pick up a ticket between Monday, April 1 and Thursday, April 4. They will be available at all service desks during their normal operating hours while supplies last.
Where to View a Total Eclipse
The eclipse will follow a path from Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse. To see the totality, you’ll need to travel to one of the prime locations directly in the shadow’s path. The next total eclipse visible in the northern US, won’t occur until 2044.
Here are some great websites that provide more details on the best viewing spots and how to safely watch an eclipse:
Great American Eclipse
The Great American Eclipse website serves as an online guide to comprehending, preparing for, and witnessing this stunning celestial phenomenon of an eclipse. Additionally, the site showcases maps detailing the durations of totality for cities within the path of totality.
Iowa Space Grant Consortium
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium has a dedicated webpage on their website specifically for the 2024 Total Eclipse. Here, you’ll discover numerous educational resources covering eye safety, instructions on crafting a pinhole projector, informative fact sheets, engaging games, and much more.
NASA’s 2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When
NASA’s Total Eclipse webpage provides activities, events, broadcasts, and resources from NASA and their partners across the nation about the eclipse. Additionally, NASA’s Eclipse Explorer is an interactive map designed to enhance your eclipse-viewing experience.
Will you stay in Des Moines to observe a partial eclipse, or will you be traveling to see it?
