Look Up! You Could See the Northern Lights in Iowa and Wisconsin Tonight

If you're in Iowa or Wisconsin, tonight might be your chance to catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights! Thanks to a G2 geomagnetic storm watch issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the aurora borealis could be visible in several parts of the northern U.S., including right here in the Midwest.

This stunning display is the result of coronal mass ejections—eruptions of solar material from the sun—that took off after a solar filament erupted early Sunday morning. These solar eruptions have been more frequent lately as the sun's 11-year cycle approaches its peak, expected sometime between late 2024 and 2026. This means more sunspots, more solar activity, and, hopefully, more chances to see the Northern Lights.

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Tonight (9/10), the best time to catch the lights will be between 10 PM and 2 AM, according to NOAA. The aurora should be most visible in areas with little light pollution, so if you live in a city, consider driving out to a more rural spot or finding a hilltop to get a clear view of the sky.

The Northern Lights are not only stunning but also quite rare in Iowa and Wisconsin. So, grab a blanket, a warm drink, and maybe a camera! Fun fact: your smartphone camera might be able to capture the aurora even if you can’t see it clearly with your naked eye—just turn on night mode for the best results. For example, these photos I took with my phone camera in July.

Don’t miss this cosmic show—who knows when we’ll get another chance to see the aurora borealis lighting up the Midwest! Keep your eyes peeled and fingers crossed for clear skies!