Iowans Could See Northern Lights Thursday Night
The northern lights are forecasted to return to Iowa skies on Thursday evening, November 7, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. This natural light display is expected to be visible across the northern United States.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, appear as glowing light curtains caused by energetic particles from the sun striking Earth's atmosphere. These displays occur in the northern hemisphere, while a similar phenomenon called aurora australis happens in the southern hemisphere.
NOAA describes auroras as “beautiful light curtains formed when energetic particles from the sun strike the atmosphere.”
Visibility in Iowa
The forecast indicates the northern lights’ visible zone will cross near Iowa’s southern border, though residents in northern Iowa will likely have better chances to see the display. However, cloud cover may affect visibility for many.
- Much of Iowa is expected to have cloudy skies around 9 p.m. Thursday
- The Des Moines area could see about 94% cloud cover initially
- Clearer skies are expected along Iowa's western border
- Clouds should decrease later in the night, dropping to about 31% cloud cover by midnight in Des Moines
Other Factors Affecting Viewing
The moon phase will be a waning gibbous with 98% illumination, which might reduce the visibility of the northern lights for some viewers.
Author’s summary: Northern Iowans may glimpse the northern lights Thursday night, but cloud cover and bright moonlight could limit visibility across much of the state.