For prime northern lights viewing in the United States, the strongest activity is forecasted to arrive late Friday night to Saturday morning. Clouds may also clear through the night to provide good vantages for the majority of the country, especially in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.

An X7.1 solar flare erupted from the surface of the sun on Tuesday, and the northern lights may be visible across parts of the U.S. by Friday.

Authorities predict that states as far south as Oregon and Illinois will be able to see auroras between now and Oct. 6