Iowans might get to experience a rare phenomenon tonight – the aurora may peek over the horizon, or explode overhead! Thanks to stronger Keep an eye on the aurora forecast here geophysical activity, you might be able to see the Northern Lights in Iowa this week.

Keep your eyes on the skies tonight - a massive solar storm is predicted to bring the aurora (or northern lights) significantly farther south than normal!
Geophysical Institute Of Alaska
In fact, the gorgeous glow may be visible right here in Iowa. The forecast map includes the entire state!
If you're in the southern part of Iowa, head to the darkest skies you can find and watch the horizon.
Flickr / NASA Earth Observatory
The farther north you go, the better chance you have of seeing the Northern Lights overhead.
Most of the time, the color of the aurora is a bright, glowing green. Depending on the particles in the atmosphere, though, it can also be purple, blue, red, or yellow.
Flickr / Jim Bauer
It's easy to mistake the yellow glow for light pollution, or the red glow for a far-away fire, if you're not sure what you're looking for!

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Luckily, the Hawkeye State has plenty of flat spaces with an amazing view of the sky. Gas up the car and be prepared for a late night out if you want to chase the colorful skies!
Flickr / Rich
The otherworldly green glow of a typical aurora is hard to mistake, though. You'll certainly know it when you see it!
Flickr / Jolene
Seeing the northern lights is a bucket-list item for many people, and only occasionally does the aurora dip down into the Lower 48.
This photo was taken when the Northern Lights appeared in Iowa on December 12, 2006. Could we be in for a repeat performance?
Flickr / blueforce4116
The solar activity is expected to peak this week, with the best time for aurora-spotting to be after dark on Thursday, December 10.

Keep an eye on the aurora forecast here to see when and where you might be able to see the Northern Lights in Iowa.

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