Astronomer Malynda Chizek-Frouard explains a solar eclipse to South Tama Elementary students during a program at their school in Tama during April. Chizek-Frouard, a 2003 STC?High graduate, told students the rare solar eclipse will occur later this year and will be visible in Central Iowa. -Photo provided

Malynda Chizek-Frouard, 2003 South Tama High School graduate, visited the STC Elementary school during April to share information about the Aug. 21 eclipse to the elementary students and staff. She is the daughter of Dave and Lisa Chizek, rural Toledo.

Chizek-Frouard explained to the elementary students that she is an astronomer and works in Washington, D.C.

She attended the University of Iowa for her undergraduate degree and then completed six years of graduate school at New Mexico State.

Rare Eclipse This Year

There are many kinds of eclipses – total solar, partial solar, annular and lunar to name the most common . Partial eclipses are pretty common. A total solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 21, of this year.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the Sun thereby totally or partially obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer. Total eclipses are extremely rare. There have been 14 total eclipses since 1918.

The last total eclipse seen in Iowa was 1979. Chizek-Frouard stressed not looking at the sun without the protective eye coverings because the eye could become damaged.

This eclipse will go from Oregon to South Carolina.

To view the full eclipse you would need to be in St. Louis or Kansas City. The effects of the eclipse in southern Tama County will start at 11:44 a.m. The middle of the eclipse will be at 1:10 p.m. and the end will occur at 2:34 p.m. in our area.

During that time it will be somewhat dark. You should wear protective glasses during those times if you are looking at the sun or she demonstrated how to use a pin hole to view the sun.

Chizek-Frouard said she wanted to be a scientist because she enjoys learning new things. One particular area of interest is space.

She said she works on a computer and analyzes information regarding space. Science, math and writing are particular areas to concentrate your studies on if you want to become a scientist.