**Spectacular Northern Lights Expected to Illuminate Northern States This Weekend**

Millions of Americans residing in northern states might be in for a celestial treat this weekend, as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, are set to potentially light up the night sky. This dazzling phenomenon is due to a coronal mass ejection—an intense burst of solar material from the sun—occurring earlier this week, as indicated by officials.

The Space Weather Prediction Center in Colorado has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This alert is designed to inform people about possible disruptions to navigation, power, and radio systems. The aurora borealis can typically be viewed just after sunset and just before sunrise. However, optimal viewing times are suggested between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, away from city lights for the best experience.

The center noted that the best periods to view the northern lights are around the spring and fall equinoxes, with the fall equinox having taken place on September 22. Weather permitting, the lights could be visible as far south as Iowa, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. If the lights are particularly bright, they might be seen from distances up to 620 miles away.

To assist spectators, the Space Weather Prediction Center has released maps showing the northern lights forecast for both Friday and Saturday nights. These maps highlight the anticipated intensity of the aurora borealis across North America and indicate the southernmost points from which the phenomenon might be witnessed on the northern horizon.

This event follows a remarkable show of the northern lights last spring, when a powerful geomagnetic storm hit Earth. While this weekend's storm is expected to be strong, it is not predicted to reach the intensity of the one experienced in May.