The northern lights could be visible across parts of the northern United States this weekend as geomagnetic storms triggered by activity on the sun increase the chances of aurora displays.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a watch for moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms on Sunday, Oct. 11, according to an Oct. 9 announcement from the agency
.The forecast covers the expected arrival of two coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which are eruptions of material and magnetic fields from the sun. The eruptions left the sun on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, and forecasters expect the faster-moving eruption to merge with the earlier one on its way to Earth, according to NOAA.
The resulting activity could make
the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, visible across some northern and upper Midwest states.
Here's what to know about the forecast and where the lights could appear.
Which states could see the northern lights?
People in northern and upper Midwest states could have a chance to see the aurora, with potential viewing areas stretching from New York west to Idaho.
However, the forecast does not guarantee a sighting in any particular state. The storm's actual strength, cloud cover and light pollution can all affect visibility.
What causes the northern lights?
The northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, producing colorful displays in the sky.
Coronal mass ejections can send large amounts of solar material and magnetic fields toward Earth. When they interact with Earth's magnetic environment, they can trigger geomagnetic storms that make auroras visible farther south than usual.
NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms on a scale from G1, or minor, to G5, or extreme. The stronger the storm, the farther from the poles auroras may become visible.
Contributing: USA TODAY reporter Julia Gomez
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Northern lights may be visible across US this weekend
