**Northern Lights May Grace Northern U.S. This Weekend**

People in the northern United States, particularly from the West Coast to the East Coast, could be treated to a dazzling display of the northern lights this weekend. The aurora forecast indicates that the "view line" spans from the northern Oregon coast to the Oregon-Idaho border near Ontario, reaching as far south as Nebraska and Iowa. This expansive view line includes 22 states, giving many a chance to witness this natural phenomenon.

The recent visibility of the northern lights farther south than usual is attributed to the "solar maximum" phase of solar cycle 25. This period of increased magnetic activity from the sun, which occurs roughly every 11 years, began recently and is expected to continue until 2026. As a result, residents of the Pacific Northwest and beyond are likely to have more frequent opportunities to see the auroras lighting up the sky.

While Saturday night's forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies from Portland to Hood River, the National Weather Service anticipates mostly clear skies on Sunday night, potentially providing better conditions for viewing the lights. The northern lights can be observed from up to 600 miles away, provided that viewers find locations free from light pollution and look toward the northern horizon.

For those eager to catch a glimpse of this spectacle, the upcoming weekend offers a promising chance to experience the beauty of the northern lights, courtesy of the ongoing solar activity.