Northern Lights Could Light Up Iowa Skies Tonight: Here's How to Watch
Iowa skywatchers may get a rare treat tonight as a pair of solar eruptions could make the northern lights visible across parts of the state. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a G1-class geomagnetic storm Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with a chance it could intensify to G2 or G3 levels, which would push the aurora borealis further south into Iowa.
Two coronal mass ejections, massive bubbles of magnetized plasma from the sun's surface, are racing toward Earth alongside streams of solar wind. When these charged particles collide with our planet's magnetic field, they create the brilliant waves of light known as the northern lights.
When will the northern lights be visible in Iowa?
The best viewing window is after dark on Wednesday, Sept. 16, into the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, Sept. 17. NOAA forecasters expect geomagnetic activity to reach G1 (minor) storm levels Wednesday, with lingering conditions possible into Thursday.
There is no specific time for auroras since solar-wind conditions change quickly. Skywatchers should monitor NOAA's live aurora forecast throughout the evening for real-time updates.
Will Iowa actually see the aurora?
If the storm holds at G1 levels, the aurora will likely stay in northern states like Alaska, North Dakota, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, Montana and New Hampshire. A fainter glow could appear in Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
However, if the storm intensifies to G2 levels, the display could creep further south, giving skywatchers in Iowa, Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Pennsylvania and New York a genuine shot at catching the show.
Visibility depends on luck and timing, but Iowa's position on the edge of the forecast zone makes tonight worth watching.
How to get the best view
For the best viewing chances, find a dark location away from city lights with a clear view of the northern sky. The darker your surroundings, the more vivid the aurora colors will appear.
Iowa viewers should also keep tabs on real-time conditions using NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast and space-weather apps that track solar wind and magnetic field changes.
This week's new moon adds to the viewing potential. A thin crescent will hang in the sky before sinking early in the evening, setting the stage for dark skies if the auroras decide to show up.
How to photograph the northern lights
Smartphone users can capture the aurora by switching on Night Mode in their camera settings and aiming at the sky. For those with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, a tripod and manual mode will deliver the best results.
What causes the northern lights?
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light. Geomagnetic storms drive this phenomenon, and their intensity determines how far south the lights can be seen.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center continues to monitor the solar activity and will update forecasts as conditions evolve. Iowa residents hoping to catch the display should check the forecast frequently and be ready to step outside at a moment's notice.