Northern Lights Expected in Iowa on Thursday Night
The northern lights may return to Iowa skies on Thursday evening, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.
Visibility Forecast
The forecast indicates a strong chance of auroras visible across the northern United States, with the viewing line near Iowa’s southern border. Residents in northern Iowa could have a better opportunity to witness the lights.
What Are the Northern Lights?
NOAA describes auroras as “beautiful light curtains formed when energetic particles from the sun strike the atmosphere.”
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, appear in the northern hemisphere. A similar phenomenon occurs in the southern hemisphere and is called “aurora australis.”
Weather Conditions Affecting Visibility
- Much of Iowa will experience cloudy skies around 9 p.m., with Des Moines seeing approximately 94% cloud cover.
- Skies are expected to be clearest along Iowa’s western border.
- Cloud cover will decrease overnight, with Des Moines dropping to about 31% cloudiness by midnight.
Additional Factors
Thursday's waning gibbous moon, illuminated at 98%, may reduce visibility of the auroras for some viewers.
Author’s Summary
The northern lights might be visible in parts of Iowa Thursday night, though cloud cover and moonlight could limit the viewing experience for some residents.