The day professional and amateur astronomers alike have waited for is mere days away, as the total solar eclipse will cross the United States and come very close to Iowa.

On Monday just after 1 p.m., the moon will cross the path of the sun, blocking it out for around two minutes. It will cover an area of around 70 miles in diameter in complete darkness, though it will be able to be seen partially for several thousand miles in either direction. In Iowa we will have a 95% view of the event, though many people are making the trip south to Missouri to see the complete eclipse.

One such group is Dallas County Conservation, which is sending a van to St. Joseph, Missouri. Forest Park Museum Curator Pete Malmberg won’t be going with them, but he knows it will be a special treat for those that are. However, he does feel our view should still be spectacular to watch. “Now in northwest Missouri, you can see the whole thing. You know, up at our area you’ll still see about 90-93%, which I think is pretty impressive! Just be sure and wear good eye protection and make sure your’s is approved and that type of thing.” There will be several viewing parties in the area, including at the Perry and Adel public libraries.

The total solar eclipse is one of the most rare celestial events able to be witnessed without a telescope, and this particular eclipse is unique for our country. For the first time since 1257 the eclipse will make its landfall exclusively in the contiguous United States. It’s also the first time since 1918 that a total eclipse has gone across the entire country. The last time a complete eclipse crossed even a portion of the United States was in 1979. The next total solar eclipse crossing the country will be in 2024, and the next time one will cross from the Pacific to the Atlantic will be in 2045.