Tonight, stargazers across the U.S. have an exciting chance to witness the Northern Lights, as updated predictions suggest the aurora borealis could be visible in more states than initially expected. A surge in geomagnetic activity is pushing the aurora’s reach further south, providing a rare opportunity for those outside the usual viewing regions to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.

Originally forecasted to be visible only in northern states such as Alaska, northern Minnesota, and parts of New England, the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has expanded the list of areas where the lights could be seen. Tonight’s forecast now indicates a G3, or “strong,” geomagnetic storm, which could allow residents in central U.S. states, like Wisconsin, Michigan, and possibly even northern Illinois, to catch sight of the aurora. During a strong storm, the charged solar particles that create the auroras interact with Earth’s magnetic field more intensely, producing colorful displays further from the poles.

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating vibrant ribbons of green, purple, and pink light in the sky. These particles are carried to Earth on the solar wind, a stream of charged particles flowing out from the sun, which can increase during solar storms. When a significant number of these particles reach Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field, particularly at high latitudes, causing the iconic light show.

To increase your chances of viewing the Northern Lights tonight, find a spot with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Areas away from city lights will offer the clearest viewing conditions, as artificial light can obscure the aurora’s delicate colors. The aurora’s display typically intensifies around midnight but may be visible as soon as dusk in locations under clear, dark skies. Many areas in the expanded viewing zone are expected to have favorable weather conditions, but cloud cover may still affect visibility, so checking local forecasts is essential.

While the Northern Lights are a somewhat rare sight in lower latitudes, they’ve been visible in surprising locations this year due to increased solar activity. As the current solar cycle ramps up, the sun is emitting more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which fuel geomagnetic storms. Scientists predict solar activity will peak in the next few years, so more frequent sightings of the Northern Lights in regions further south are likely.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the forecasted range tonight, set aside some time to look up and enjoy the spectacle. For those who capture photos, this display could provide unforgettable memories of one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena.