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On October 11, 2024, Iowans have an exciting opportunity to witness the Northern
Lights, or aurora borealis, thanks to a geomagnetic storm impacting Earth's
atmosphere. This rare event occurs when solar particles collide with atmospheric
gases, resulting in stunning displays of colorful light that can stretch as far south
as Iowa under favorable conditions.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis is triggered by solar winds that release charged particles from
the sun, which are drawn towards Earth's magnetic poles. As these particles
interact with gases in the atmosphere—primarily oxygen and nitrogen—they
produce bright, glowing patterns of light. The vivid green color, the most common
hue seen, is generated by oxygen atoms about 60 miles above Earth's surface.
Redder colors appear higher up, caused by nitrogen at altitudes over 200 miles.
This fascinating natural phenomenon can be observed mostly near the polar
regions but occasionally reaches mid-latitudes like Iowa during strong solar
storms.
This evening’s display is linked to a solar storm categorized as G4, which stands for
a "severe" geomagnetic storm on the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)
scale. The storm is fueled by coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—bursts of plasma and
magnetic energy from the sun—that will enhance the Northern Lights visibility
over several U.S. states, including Iowa.
Viewing Forecast for Iowa
Iowa’s positioning tonight places it squarely within the viewline for the aurora,
meaning residents in the northern and central parts of the state have a good
chance to see it. The forecast predicts mostly clear skies, which is ideal for aurora
visibility. The best time to see the lights is between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., with peak
activity anticipated closer to midnight.
How to Maximize Your Viewing Experience
While catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, there are
several tips to increase your chances:
Find Dark Skies: Light pollution from urban areas significantly reduces the ability to
see the aurora. For the best viewing experience, head to rural or isolated areas
away from city lights. Northern Iowa will likely provide the clearest views, but
anywhere with minimal light pollution can work.
Look North: As the Northern Lights usually occur above the magnetic pole, they will
appear in the northern part of the sky. Make sure your viewing spot has a clear,
unobstructed view of the northern horizon.
Use Technology: Check real-time aurora forecasts on websites like SWPC or apps
that track solar activity. They often provide live updates on aurora visibility,
helping you gauge if it’s worth staying up.
Be Patient: Aurora activity can ebb and flow, so if you don’t immediately see the
lights, don’t give up. The phenomenon can brighten suddenly and change over
time, so waiting outdoors for an hour or more could reward you with a spectacular
view.
Dress Warmly: October nights in Iowa can be chilly, especially if you're waiting
outside for hours. Dress in layers, bring blankets, and consider packing a hot drink
to stay comfortable.
Ideal Viewing Locations in Iowa
If you’re wondering where exactly to go to see the Northern Lights in Iowa, consider
these top spots:
Decorah: Located in northeastern Iowa, this area offers relatively low light pollution
and an excellent view of the northern horizon.
Spirit Lake: Far north and away from major cities, Spirit Lake offers some of the
darkest skies in Iowa, perfect for aurora spotting.
Yellow River State Forest: For those who want an outdoor adventure, this
northeastern Iowa forest offers remote and dark skies.
Ledges State Park: Just an hour north of Des Moines, this park offers an easy
escape from city lights and a clearer sky.
Taking Photos of the Northern Lights
If you plan to capture the aurora on camera, here are a few tips:
Use a Tripod: The Northern Lights are faint and move slowly, so a steady camera is
key to avoiding blurry photos.
Long Exposure: Set your camera to a longer exposure time—between 10 to 30
seconds—to capture the light’s movement across the sky.
Low ISO: Keep your ISO setting low to reduce noise, which can obscure the colors of
the aurora.
Wide Aperture: Use the widest aperture possible (the lowest f-number) to let in
more light and capture the aurora's detail.
Some smartphones also offer night modes that can help capture the Northern
Lights, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will produce the best results.
Why Northern Lights are Rare in Iowa
While the Northern Lights are commonly seen in higher latitudes, they’re relatively
rare in Iowa due to its position far from the Arctic Circle. However, strong
geomagnetic storms like the one happening tonight can extend the visibility of
auroras much further south. This makes the event a treat for Iowans, who don’t
often get to witness the phenomenon.
What’s Next for the Aurora?
The current solar cycle is predicted to bring more opportunities to see the aurora
in mid-latitude states like Iowa. The sun goes through an 11-year solar cycle,
during which solar activity—including sunspots and solar flares—peaks. We're
approaching the solar maximum, which means more solar storms, and
consequently, more auroras may be visible in the coming months and years. This
is great news for skywatchers hoping to catch future displays of the Northern
Lights.
Tonight’s aurora forecast is one of the best opportunities for Iowans to view this
stunning spectacle in 2024. As long as the skies stay clear, you could witness one
of nature’s most breathtaking light shows right from your backyard.
