The Northern Lights May be Visible in 16 US States Next Week—Here's Where to See Them

Many people travel far and wide for a chance to see the Northern Lights. But soon you may be able to view the once-in-a-lifetime sight from your very own backyard. The aurora borealis could appear in 16 states across the United States next Thursday, July 13, USA Today reports.

The aurora borealis is the name given to the light produced when electrons from space go down Earth's magnetic field and interact with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. This is typically caused by the interactions between solar wind being released from the sun and Earth's magnetic field. The phenomenon produces the lights we know as the Northern lights, which often appear as a pale green color.

Auroral activity is expected to be high next week, according to the The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, which monitors the northern lights, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other natural events. Weather permitting, the northern lights are expected to make an appearance in parts of Canada and the U.S.

Stargazers hoping to view the aurora borealis should look into the night sky between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the NOAA. For the best chance of viewing the Northern lights, you should get away from city lights and light pollution.

State Where the Northern Lights May be Visible

1. Alaska
2. Montana
3. North Dakota
4. South Dakota
5. Minnesota
6. Wisconsin
7. Michigan
8. Maine
9. New York
10. New Hampshire
11. Washington
12. Vermont
13. Idaho
14. Massachusetts
15. Wyoming
16. Indiana