Northern lights spotted across the globe
A severe geomagnetic storm made a stronger aurora than usual.
If you couldn’t see the northern lights earlier this week, don’t fret. You’ll have another chance to catch the aurora borealis on Friday, March 20.
A moderate geomagnetic storm is expected to create the conditions for Iowa to glimpse the lights. Auroral activity is expected to be especially strong in March, thanks to the March 20 spring equinox, when the sun will cross the celestial equator.
Here’s what to know.
When are the northern lights expected to be visible in Iowa?
On Friday night, Iowa sits within reach of the geomagnetic storm, giving much of the state a real chance to see the northern lights.
The best times to view the lights are generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to NOAA. However, this can vary significantly by location and as weather and visibility forecasts are updated.
By Saturday night, geomagnetic activity weakens and retreats north, making aurora visibility in Iowa unlikely or very limited.
What is the cloud forecast during the aurora?
The western half of the state is expected to have little cloud cover compared to the eastern half on Friday night. Cloud cover is expected to be as low as 3% in places like Red Oak and Harlan at 10 p.m. Friday. In northern Iowa, Storm Lake will be 29% and in central Iowa, Des Moines is expected to have 26% cloud cover.
Clouds will clear up by Saturday night, but it is less likely that you’ll see the lights as the magnetic storm subsides.
How to view the aurora borealis in Iowa
During times of high geomagnetic activity, which pushes the northern lights further south, the aurora will be visible directly overhead in the northern United States, according to the prediction center.
For the best viewing, the center recommends that it be very dark. Get away from city lights and avoid trying to see them on the night of a full moon. The best time to view the aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight, or 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The likelihood of observing the aurora increases as you travel farther north in the state.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at [email protected] or 515-284-8132.
