A period of peak magnetic storms on the sun is forecasted to lead to another display of the northern lights on Earth on Saturday and Sunday, with the best viewing expected in states along the northern border and in the Midwest. The auroras, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display caused by electrically charged particles colliding with molecules and gases in Earth’s atmosphere. The best time to see the northern lights is usually within an hour or two of midnight, and clear, dark locations free from light pollution are ideal for viewing. The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, which creates more opportunities to see the northern lights. The stormy magnetic state on the sun is expected to last for the rest of the year, with a coronal mass of plasma and magnetic field ejected towards Earth and projected to arrive early Sunday morning. Spectators in Fairbanks, Alaska recently recorded a stunning display of the northern lights, with videos capturing a green aurora glowing overhead. The auroras can often be observed from a distance of up to 1000 km away when conditions are right. Skygazers interested in viewing the phenomenon can utilize an aurora dashboard maintained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to track the northern lights.
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