Northern lights tonight: 9 states could see the aurora borealis, thanks to a solar flare. Here’s the forecast for where and when

Fireworks may not be the only dazzling thing you see this week. There’s a possibility you may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights starting tonight. The aurora is reported to be visible over some northern and upper Midwest states on June 29 and 30, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. The NOAA predicts Thursday and Friday’s forecast to have a K-index, or KP, of 5 meaning the aurora will be visible and bright. The KP is used to characterize the magnitude of geomagnetic storms and is a good indicator of disturbances to the Earth’s magnetic field. When and where to see the northern lights The best time to view an aurora is between 10 pm and 2 am local time. The NOAA advises people to go out at night towards the magnetic poles to witness the aurora at its most visible. There is a likelihood the northern lights will appear visible in parts of the following states: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. It could be visible in the Midwest in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. It could also be visible in Alaska. What’s causing the aurora borealis? The incoming aurora is caused by a coronal mass ejection associated with a solar flare, both occurring on June 30. A coronal mass ejection (CME) is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields and is one type of solar event that can create a geomagnetic storm linked to auroras. The NOAA describes it as a “billion tons of plasma ejected from the sun, traveling at a million miles per hour.” When a CME reaches Earth, it can produce a big geomagnetic storm causing a bright and active aurora. Those wishing to witness the aurora can visit the NOAA’s website for updates.