Solar storms may cause faint northern lights across fringes of the northern United States over the weekend as forecasters monitor for possible disruptions to power and communications.
The sun’s magnetic field is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, making solar storms and northern lights more frequent. The sun shot out two strong flares this week, including one Thursday that was the biggest in seven years.
The forecast shows a strong likelihood of the aurora being visible in Canada and Alaska, both regions that frequently have such opportunities.
Several states in the Lower 48 may also get a chance to see the northern lights.
Residents in states as far south as Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado may notice a celestial glow along the northern horizon Thursday night.