Those lucky folks who’ve had the chance to see them will tell you that the northern lights may be the most stunning spectacle on the entire planet. So why are they so uncommon? The key is in the word “northern” – this atmospheric light show is regularly only seen above the Arctic Circle, where few people live, and getting there can be a massive undertaking. But that might be changing this year, thanks to some unique solar conditions that have been brewing for quite some time. Will we actually be able to see the northern lights in 2024 in Iowa and surrounding states? It’s possible but far from guaranteed. Here’s everything you need to know about the Northern Lights making their way to the Hawkeye State, as well as some amazing pictures of this phenomenon from around the world.

The aurora borealis is a magnificent sight, and this sky effect happens when electrons from space collide with the molecules in Earth's atmosphere.
Brocken Inaglory/Wikipedia
The light effect that happens is similar to the chemical reaction of a neon light, and it's a very familiar sight to those who live in the isolated regions of the Arctic Circle.
USAF/Wikipedia
So what's bringing them much further south this year? The sun is approaching the peak of a long cycle that saw solar activity reach its highest point in decades.
Modes Rodriguez/Flickr

Related Stories

15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Iowa That Defy Explanation

15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Iowa That Defy Explanation

 This Is The Absolute Best Place To Witness This Summer's Perseid Meteor Shower In Iowa

This Is The Absolute Best Place To Witness This Summer's Perseid Meteor Shower In Iowa

 The One Iowa Cave That’s Filled With Ancient Mysteries

The One Iowa Cave That’s Filled With Ancient Mysteries
That will allow the aurora to be more visible than they have been in a very long time - including potentially showing themselves in Iowa.
Varjisakka/Wikipedia
There is no guarantee that the northern lights will appear in Iowa this year, but stargazers are keeping their eyes peeled and staking out possible locations.
Loris Peleari/Flickr
The best chances for seeing a hint of the northern lights will be in the northern part of the state or in places that are relatively isolated and lacking in light pollution, like Nine Eagles State Park - the closest we have to a dark sky park in Iowa.
Travel Iowa

Are you hoping to see the northern lights in 2024 in Iowa? Where do you like to stargaze in the Hawkeye State? Let us know in the comments section! The conditions that might make this possible will be changing through the year, so keep an eye on the Space Weather Prediction Center for the latest atmospheric updates. To visit one of Iowa’s best parks for stargazing, check out our past coverage of Nine Eagles State Park, and be sure to bring a good pair of binoculars with you!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Nine Eagles State Park, 23678 Dale Miller Rd, Davis City, IA 50065, USA