Sioux Falls Sees Partial Solar Eclipse

Residents in South Dakota's largest city witness rare celestial event

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Residents of Sioux Falls, South Dakota were treated to a partial solar eclipse on the afternoon of March 4, 2026. The eclipse, which was visible across much of North America, saw the moon cover a portion of the sun's surface for several minutes, casting an eerie twilight over the city.

Why it matters

Solar eclipses are relatively rare events, with the next total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States not occurring until 2045. The partial eclipse in Sioux Falls provided a unique opportunity for residents to witness this celestial phenomenon.

The details

The eclipse began around 3:56 PM UTC, with the moon covering approximately 60% of the sun's surface at the point of maximum coverage. Temperatures dropped noticeably during the eclipse, and the dimmed sunlight created an unusual twilight-like atmosphere across the city.

  • The partial solar eclipse began around 3:56 PM UTC on March 4, 2026.
  • The point of maximum coverage occurred around 4:02 PM UTC, with the moon covering approximately 60% of the sun's surface.
  • The eclipse ended around 4:08 PM UTC as the moon moved away from the sun.

The players

Sioux Falls

The largest city in the state of South Dakota, located in the southeastern part of the state.

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What they’re saying

“It was really amazing to see the sun partially covered like that. The change in light was so dramatic, it almost felt like nighttime for a few minutes.”

— Sarah Johnson, Sioux Falls resident (local news source)

“I've always wanted to see a solar eclipse, and this one was just spectacular. It's not every day you get to witness something like this in your own backyard.”

— Michael Thompson, Astronomy enthusiast (local news source)

What’s next

The next total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States is scheduled to occur on August 12, 2045, with a path of totality stretching from northern California to Florida.

The takeaway

The partial solar eclipse in Sioux Falls provided a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event for residents, reminding them of the wonder and beauty of the natural world and the importance of taking the time to appreciate such extraordinary moments.