Map: Over 20 states have chance at seeing northern lights after solar flare

Lights expected to be visible as far south as Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Oregon

A strong solar flare has increased the chances of seeing the northern lights across the northern United States this weekend. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Saturday and Sunday, meaning there is a chance of seeing the aurora borealis as far south as Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Oregon.

What is the northern lights?

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the sky, primarily visible at high latitude regions. They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's atmosphere.

What causes the northern lights?

The northern lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles are emitted by the sun during solar flares and travel through space until they reach Earth. When they enter the atmosphere, they collide with atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light.

When is the best time to see the northern lights?

The best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker. The lights are typically visible between 10pm and 2am.

Where is the best place to see the northern lights?

The best place to see the northern lights is in a location with low light pollution. This means avoiding cities and towns and heading to more rural areas. Some of the best places to see the northern lights include Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia.

How can I increase my chances of seeing the northern lights?

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. First, check the NOAA website for geomagnetic storm forecasts. Second, find a location with low light pollution. Third, be patient and wait for the lights to appear. They can sometimes take hours to start, so don't give up if you don't see them right away.