Northern Lights Alert: These 15 States May See Aurora Borealis Tonight
Wednesday night’s viewing line extends to the northern edge of Iowa, offering many northern U.S. states a chance to see the northern lights, according to an updated forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA predicts increased auroral activity by Thursday, with a Kp index of five for Wednesday night. This level suggests a display that can be “quite pleasing to look at” in optimal locations.
The curved viewing line reaches as far south as northern Iowa, but the likelihood of seeing the aurora grows stronger the further north you are from that line. If forecasts hold, Thursday’s aurora will be even more visible, with a Kp index of seven.
“The aurora will become quite bright and active,” according to NOAA.
Additional Information
- Wednesday night forecast: Kp index of 5
- Thursday forecast: Kp index of 7 with increased brightness and activity
- Viewing chances improve farther north of the curved viewing line
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Summary: Northern states including northern Iowa have tonight’s best chance to witness bright auroral displays, with even stronger activity expected Thursday.