Northern Lights Visible Across Northern U.S. This Weekend
Skywatchers in parts of the northern United States and southern Canada may have the opportunity to witness the northern lights this weekend, according to NOAA's aurora forecast. The aurora borealis, caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field, is expected to be visible under clear skies in areas near the Canadian border. NOAA predicts geomagnetic activity with a maximum Kp index of 4.0, which is below storm levels but sufficient for auroral displays in northern regions. States with the best viewing chances include Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The phenomenon is most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time under dark skies.