Solar Flare Could Cause Northern Lights to be Visible in Iowa

Have you always wanted to see the northern lights, but are intimidated by a trip to the North? Well, we've got some good news for you. The northern lights could potentially be seen right here in North America thanks to a solar flare.

According to KCRG, the powerful flare on its way to Earth could bring the incredible northern lights to us. Before experiencing the lights, you should understand how they come about in the first place. The northern lights are “the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere,” according to Canada’s Northern Lights Centre. When these gas and sun particles collide, it creates changing colors like pale green and pink. Although those are the most common colors, others such as red, yellow, blue, and violet can be seen as well.

So when can you see this magnificent event? As early as tonight! The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued these geomagnetic storm alerts for Wednesday through Friday. As you can see from the graphic below, Iowa is in the path to see the lights.

Check out the spectacular display in the sky tonight into early Thursday as the colors peak. Even though it will be possible to see them, doesn't mean that you're going to. Weather and your view of the northern horizon will play a major role. But, if skies are clear and you've got the view, get ready for a sight not many have seen.