Northern Lights to be Visible over Iowa Tonight

Aurora Borealis Expected Due to Solar Storm

Des Moines, IA

A large solar storm is making it possible to view the aurora borealis in parts of Iowa this weekend. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the storm will create a geomagnetic disturbance that will allow the northern lights to be visible as far south as the central United States.

The best time to view the aurora borealis is typically between sunset and 1 am. The lights are most likely to be visible in areas with clear skies and low light pollution. Iowans who are hoping to see the northern lights should find a spot away from city lights and look to the north.

The aurora borealis is a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field. The lights appear in a variety of colors, including green, red, blue, and purple.