Witnessing the aurora borealis is an extraordinary delight. Those who have experienced them appreciate their magical quality.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, this evening might be your moment. A significant geomagnetic storm is expected to brighten the skies above certain regions of North America, offering skywatchers an excellent chance to observe the northern lights, as predicted by the Space Weather Prediction Center. Therefore, grab a blanket, locate a dark area, face north, and keep your fingers crossed.

When will the northern lights be at their peak?

This evening, Sept. 2, the northern lights are foreseen to achieve their peak visibility in North America. The Space Weather Prediction Center has indicated a “strong” geomagnetic storm.

Geomagnetic activity is assessed using the planetary K index, or Kp, which ranges from 0 to 9. Increased activity heightens the chances of visibility in the United States, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. The current activity stands at a Kp of 5, suggesting the northern lights may stretch further from the poles and become visible even in the northern regions of the United States.

Where can you view the northern lights?

According to maps from the Space Weather Prediction Center, Canada and Alaska are the most probable locations to observe the event. There is a slight possibility, but not guaranteed, that the aurora borealis might be seen in parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

What creates the northern lights?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are natural light phenomena that manifest in the night sky, typically close to the poles. As per NASA, they happen when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, producing shimmering hues of green, pink, and purple that swirl across the sky.

Tips for viewing the northern lights

Experiencing the northern lights often relies on luck, but there are methods to boost your odds. First, head to a dark location away from light pollution.

If you’re uncertain whether you’re witnessing the northern lights, consider taking a photo of the sky with your phone, which can capture a broader spectrum of light than the human eye, according to Lifehacker. Both Mashable and Lifehacker are subsidiaries of Ziff Davis.