Northern Lights Could Dazzle Iowa Skies This July 4 Weekend

Iowans celebrating Independence Day weekend might get an extra light show as a solar storm brings the northern lights potentially visible across the state. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says a coronal mass ejection from the sun will hit Earth on Friday, creating the perfect conditions for the aurora borealis to dip down into the Midwest.

Nature's fireworks could outshine traditional displays

While many Iowans are gearing up for local fireworks or drone shows to celebrate the Fourth of July, nature might have a bigger display planned. Forecasters are tracking a significant solar event that could paint the sky with brilliant greens, pinks, and reds right before Independence Day.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has been monitoring two major sunspot groups this week. One of those spots recently erupted with a solar flare reaching X1 strength. Shawn Dahl, a service coordinator with the SWPC, explained the significance of the event in a recent update.