Northern lights forecast maps show which US states could see northern lights this weekend

The Northern lights could stun millions of Americans in some northern states this weekend. An eruption of solar material from the sun earlier this week could lead to a show Northern lights if weather conditions are right, officials said.

The eruption, called a coronal mass ejection, prompted the federal government's Space Weather Prediction Center in Colorado to issue a geomagnetic storm warning for Friday, Saturday and Sunday to warn people of possible disruptions to navigation, power and radio systems.

What time will the Northern Lights be visible tonight?

The northern lights can be seen just after sunset and just before sunrise, but the center says it's best to go out at night and stay away from city lights.

The center recommends viewing the Northern Lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. According to the center, the best times of year to view the aurora borealis are the spring and fall equinoxes. The autumnal equinox was September 22nd.

Where can you see the Northern Lights tonight?

According to the center, the northern lights could be seen as far away as Iowa, Oregon and Pennsylvania.

When conditions are right and the northern lights are bright, they can be seen from up to 620 miles away, according to the center.

Northern lights map for tonight

The center released a map showing the northern lights predicted for Friday evening. The map illustrates the predicted intensity of the Aurora Borealis over North America with a line showing how far south the lights could be seen on the northern horizon.

Northern lights map for tomorrow evening

The center also released a menu for Saturday evening.

Parts of the country were treated to the Northern Lights last spring when a strong geomagnetic storm reached the earth. Although the storm expected this weekend is considered strong, it is not expected to be as strong as in May.