**Aurora Borealis Could Illuminate Northern States Tonight**

Residents of the northernmost states might have the chance to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis tonight, as minor geomagnetic storms are forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Alaska stands out with the highest probability of aurora visibility and falls into the red zone on NOAA's forecast map, signifying a high likelihood of seeing the spectacle.

States like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan have a lower but still plausible chance of witnessing the aurora. Meanwhile, other states such as South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Maine fall along the aurora's view line, indicating a smaller chance for visibility.

For the best viewing experience, NOAA advises the public to seek dark areas between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The agency also recommends steering clear of light pollution, traveling northward, and finding elevated locations.

For those hoping to capture the magical lights, a smartphone can be used most effectively without flash, at a lower shutter speed, and with night mode activated if using an iPhone.

This increased solar activity aligns with NASA’s observation of the sun approaching its "solar maximum," the peak of its 11-year cycle marked by heightened activity and storminess. NASA noted that solar storms in May were the most intense in two decades, potentially creating the strongest auroras seen in 500 years. The current solar cycle, which began in December 2019, has surpassed scientists' predictions in terms of solar activity.