The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports an active geomagnetic storm currently affecting the Earth. This event increases the chances of seeing the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, across the northern United States and some central states from Thursday through Friday.
The strongest likelihood of viewing stretches from New York in the east to Washington state in the west. According to NOAA's forecast map, the aurora may also be visible as far south as Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa.
The chance to observe the northern lights improves with a stronger storm and clearer skies.
On Thursday morning, NOAA confirmed a "G3" geomagnetic storm in progress. The storm scale ranges from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
“A larger disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. It can vary in intensity between lower levels and strong storm conditions over the course of hours to a day during the event duration,” NOAA said in its Geomagnetic Storm Alert.
Strong geomagnetic storms can disrupt technology, causing fluctuations in power grids and satellite interference, which may affect GPS systems.
The ongoing G3 geomagnetic storm is expected to produce visible northern lights across much of the northern US, but clear skies are crucial for the best viewing experience.