Northern Lights to Illuminate Iowa Tonight: Check the Aurora Forecast
NASA astronaut Don Pettit filmed a vivid aurora from the International Space Station. The footage highlights how strong solar activity can light the night sky.
What the agencies predict
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a geomagnetic storm from March 18 to March 19. The event is rated moderate-to-strong. That means auroral displays could reach farther south than usual.
March tends to produce heightened auroral activity. The March 20 spring equinox is a contributing factor.
When Iowa may see the Northern Lights
The lights are expected late Wednesday into early Thursday. NOAA lists prime viewing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
Iowa will be within reach on Wednesday night. By Thursday night, geomagnetic activity should weaken and shift north.
Cloud and visibility outlook
Cloud cover could hinder viewing on Wednesday night. By 10 p.m., much of the state may see 60 to 85 percent cloud cover.
Conditions should improve by 1 a.m. Thursday. Western and southwestern counties may clear to roughly 40 to 50 percent cloud cover.
How to increase your chances
- Find a dark site away from city lights.
- Avoid nights with a bright full moon.
- Plan to observe within an hour or two of midnight.
- Travel north in the state to improve your odds.
Additional context
Strong geomagnetic storms push auroras farther south. During such events, skies over the northern United States can glow overhead.
Local forecasts will refine visibility predictions. Check a current aurora forecast before heading out.
Filmogaz.com contributor Mary Walrath-Holdridge provided additional reporting. Cooper Worth is a service and trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at [email protected] and on X @CooperAWorth.
With favorable conditions, Northern Lights could illuminate parts of Iowa tonight. Keep an eye on the aurora forecast and local weather updates.
