Aurora Borealis Expected in Iowa, New Forecast Reveals
Aurora Borealis expected in Iowa, new forecast reveals stronger geomagnetic activity tied to the March 20 equinox. A moderate geomagnetic storm on Friday night, March 20, will give many Iowans a chance to see the northern lights.
A severe geomagnetic storm earlier in the week produced an unusually strong aurora. If you missed that display, another viewing window arrives Friday night.
When to look
NOAA guidance indicates the best viewing window is roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. By Saturday night, the geomagnetic activity is expected to weaken and shift north, making sightings in Iowa unlikely.
Cloud and visibility forecast
The western half of the state should see the clearest skies Friday night. Forecasts show cloud cover as low as 3 percent in Red Oak and Harlan at 10 p.m.
Northern Iowa’s Storm Lake is forecast at about 29 percent cloud cover. Central Iowa’s Des Moines is expected near 26 percent. Clouds will largely clear by Saturday night, but the auroral disturbance will have subsided.
How to view
High geomagnetic activity can push the aurora farther south, making it visible overhead in parts of the northern United States. For the best chance, choose very dark locations away from city lights.
- Avoid viewing on a full moon night.
- Plan to watch within an hour or two of midnight.
- Traveling farther north in Iowa increases the likelihood of a sighting.
Why March matters
The March 20 spring equinox can enhance auroral activity. That occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, affecting geomagnetic coupling.
Lucia Cheng, a service and trending reporter, contributed to this report for Filmogaz.com.
