**Aurora Borealis Lights Up Skies Across Northern United States and Canada**

The aurora borealis is continuing to captivate audiences across the northern United States and Canada. This year has been particularly favorable for witnessing these stunning sky displays, commonly known as the northern lights, even in more southern regions.

The intensified electromagnetic activity is a result of the sun nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), clear skies might allow for sightings of this phenomenon across several northern U.S. states on Wednesday night. States including Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine may all have the chance to observe these vibrant lights.

It's important to note that this increase in solar activity can also lead to disruptions in radio transmissions on Earth. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, NOAA suggests heading away from city lights. The optimal viewing time typically falls within an hour or two before or after midnight. Additionally, the best periods to observe the aurora borealis are often around the spring and fall equinoxes, due to the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere.