The Northern Lights may be visible in some states this week. Here’s where and when to look for the aurora borealis

Ferris Bueller said it best: “If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you can’t miss it.” So on Tuesday this week, don’t forget to look up, or you might miss what looks to be an amazing Northern Lights display right here in the United States.
What you need to know
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says a G2, moderate, geomagnetic storm has the potential to cause the aurora borealis to be visible “in parts of the northern or upper Midwest regions from New York to Idaho.”
Looking for viewing tips? NOAA advises, “Go out at night. Get away from the city lights.”
The best seasons to view the aurora are around spring and fall as there is a tendency for large geomagnetic storms during these times. We will reach the autumnal equinox on September 22nd.
The lights are the result of this weekend’s coronal mass ejection, a solar explosion that throws particles from the sun into space. When those reach Earth’s atmosphere, they create a stunning array of blue, green, and purple colors in the sky.
It’s been a busy time for the Northern Lights, which are often seen near the Earth’s poles. The increased geomagnetic storms are likely the result of a cycle that the sun undergoes approximately every 11 years, approaching its maximum solar activity.
You can track the aurora on the NOAA page, where the agency provides live updates.
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