Celebrate the solar eclipse in Iowa City with a Pentacrest watch party and dollar beers
A partial solar eclipse will make it feel like night in the afternoon on Monday, April 8.
A total solar eclipse will happen in neighboring states like Missouri and Illinois. However, Iowa City residents can see the cosmic event since Iowa will be in the shadow. Residents can catch a glimpse of a partial solar eclipse, which is anticipated to reach almost 90% totality Monday afternoon.
The next time Iowans can see a solar eclipse from the continental United States will be in 2044, making Monday's cosmic event even more remarkable.
The eclipse will span across North America from the Pacific Coast in Mexico to the Atlantic Coast in Newfoundland, Canada. The event will begin around 11 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time in Mexico, ending around 5 p.m. Newfoundland Time.
The eclipse is expected to crest at 12:46 p.m. in Iowa City and last until 3:16 p.m.
Residents can celebrate with the community at various viewing parties across town.
More: What time is the April 8 solar eclipse in Iowa? Find out here with your ZIP code
Partial Solar Eclipse on the Pentacrest and in the Sciences Library Courtyard
Starting at 12:30 p.m., Monday, April 8, the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department will host a free viewing event on the Pentacrest and at the Sciences Library courtyard.
They will use solar telescopes to view the solar eclipse.
The viewing on the Pentacrest will be in front of the Old Capitol. Sky-gazers can grab a pair of free eclipse glasses, partake in other interactive activities, and view the event using solar telescopes. The special telescopes used specifically for observing the sun.
Glasses, solar telescope viewing, and other free activities will also be held in the courtyard of the Sciences Library located at 120 Iowa Ave., Iowa City.
The Science library will show a live NASA video stream incase of cloudy skies. It will be shown regardless of weather conditions.
More: Everything to know about April's solar eclipse, where to see the cosmic event in Iowa City
BackPocket Brewing Eclipse Viewing Party
Coralville's BackPocket Brewing is hosting a viewing party from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 8. The local brewery will have $12 lunch specials and $1 beers from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BackPocket suggests that guests bring their own eclipse glasses. They will not have any available at the brewery.
Preparing for the Solar Eclipse at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Take advantage of the rolling green space at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to learn more about the eclipse. A 2 p.m. program on Saturday, April 6 in West Branch will teach residents about the basics of eclipses and why these events are special. The session will take place in the theater and cover what to expect during the phenomenon, how to view the event safely, and other ways to prepare.
Educational materials and eclipse glasses will be provided.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is located at 110 Parkside Dr. in West Branch.
Know of a solar eclipse event we missed? Email details to [email protected]
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Where to watch Monday's partial solar eclipse in Iowa City
