Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents will be among the best-positioned skywatchers in the United States to experience the most dramatic eclipse of 2026, with viewing conditions expected to rank near the very top nationwide.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. For Iowa, the clear standout is the March total lunar eclipse, which should be visible in full statewide, weather permitting.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Prime Viewing in Iowa)
This is the top eclipse event of 2026 for U.S. residents, and Iowa sits near the center of the strongest viewing corridor.
According to eclipse timing data, the Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow during the early morning hours Tuesday, March 3. Viewers in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Waterloo, Ames, Sioux City, and Council Bluffs are expected to see all phases of the eclipse, including a prolonged deep red “Blood Moon” during totality.
Unlike states farther east, the Moon will remain high above the horizon throughout peak totality in Iowa, allowing for extended viewing, excellent visibility, and strong photo opportunities.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in Iowa)
A major total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. In Iowa, the event will appear as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will be partially obscured across the state. Certified solar eclipse glasses are required for safe viewing.
🌕 August 27–28, 2026 — Partial Lunar Eclipse
A second lunar eclipse later in the summer will also be visible across Iowa, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 Iowa & U.S. Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best Iowa event: March 3 total lunar eclipse
- 👀 Viewing quality: Excellent — among the best in the U.S.
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
