NOAA's Space Weather Forecasters have issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Tuesday, signaling the potential for strong solar storms and a dazzling Northern Lights display across parts of the northern U.S. This anticipated event marks the most significant conditions since May's historic aurora lights showcase.

The Geomagnetic Storm Watch, set to last from Monday through Wednesday, was prompted by heightened solar activity over the weekend, including multiple solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs). While X-class solar flares can cause radio blackouts, the charged particles of a CME create the mesmerizing spectacle of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Typically, these lights are visible near the Earth's poles. However, during intense solar storms, they can be observed as far south as the southern U.S., as witnessed this summer during the strongest geomagnetic storms in two decades.

NASA satellites have recently detected several CMEs erupting from the Sun. These energetic particles are on track to collide with Earth's magnetic field, with the most substantial impact anticipated on Tuesday. The Storm Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) at NOAA's Boulder, Colorado, advises individuals not to be alarmed but rather consider their forecasts as a means to aid power grid, communication, and satellite operators in preparing for potential impacts.

According to the SWPC, Earth can expect CME components from a solar event on Saturday to begin arriving on Monday, with several additional CMEs reaching our planet on Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday. Geomagnetic storms are categorized using the Kp-index, and the SWPC has forecasted the highest Kp-index levels to occur on Tuesday, reaching 7 out of 9 on the scale.

The predicted timeline indicates that possible G2 (moderate) magnetic storm levels could occur early Tuesday morning between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. ET. However, the most intense solar storms with G3 (strong) levels are projected to coincide with daylight hours between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET, making them visible across much of the eastern U.S. During G3 levels, the Northern Lights may illuminate the skies of the northern U.S. and parts of the Midwest.

As the week progresses, the SWPC warns of additional CME arrivals and continued solar storm activity caused by several active sunspot regions generating solar flares and associated CMEs.

For those eager to witness the aurora lights in the U.S., the lunar phase approaching a new Moon in early August means minimal moonlight interference. Specifically, during the current phase known as the waning crescent, only around 20% of the Moon's Sun-facing side will be illuminated. To maximize visibility, it is recommended to seek cloudless nights away from city lights.

Weather conditions seem favorable for aurora lights viewing across areas of Canada and the northern U.S., including Minneapolis in Minnesota, Casper in Wyoming, and Buffalo in New York, where minimal cloud cover is expected on Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

As the Sun continues its solar activity, stay tuned to FOX Weather for the latest aurora viewing forecasts throughout the week. Excitement builds as the northern U.S. eagerly awaits the magical display of the Northern Lights that promises to captivate observers with its celestial beauty.