Iowans can see the Northern Lights tonight. Here's where they're ...

For the second time in October, Iowans have a chance to see the aurora borealis, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports.

A fast coronal ejection, which is an eruption of solar material and magnet fields from the sun, occurred Tuesday. This triggered a "severe" G4 solar storm that will lead to highly elevated geomagnetic activity, making watches at this level "very rare," according to NOAA. The aurora could be visible as far south as Alabama to northern California.

So how can you catch the solar show in Iowa?

Northern Lights forecast: When will the aurora borealis be visible?

The aurora borealis can be seen on Thursday and Friday evenings, according to the NOAA.

When can I see the northern lights in Iowa?

Historically, the best time to see the lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Iowa has the greatest chance of seeing the aurora borealis on Thursday, with the state being fully covered by the viewline. On Friday, the aurora borealis could be visible from northern Iowa, but the likelihood isn't as strong, according to the NOAA.

Avoid areas with light pollution that will dim the visibility. The Dark Sky Map shows the areas in Iowa with the most and least light pollution.

What will the weather be in Des Moines for the aurora borealis?

Des Moines is predicted to have clear sky conditions for Thursday night with a low of 57 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Friday evening is expected to be mostly cloudy, making Thursday the best day to get out and see the aurora.

How to take photos of the aurora?

The best way to take photos of the northern lights on a smartphone is by adjusting the exposure time and enabling night mode, according to USA TODAY.

Iowans caught photo of the last aurora and share their tips

Pete Raine shared his unedited photo of the Northern Lights on Oct. 4 on Facebook. His view was from his own home in Fairview, Iowa. He took the photo on an iPhone 14.

Raine said while the aurora was visible to his naked eye, it was much more vibrant through his phone camera.

Other members of the Facebook group, Iowa Through The Lens, recommended a ten second exposure, available on the iPhone 16 pro. Several on the group reported seeing the Northern Lights across Iowa all week.

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, an app available on iPhone and Android, will notify you of Northern Lights in your area and provide tips for best viewing.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.