The Northern Lights Could Glow Over 7 States Tonight—Are You in One of Them? Here's how and where to see the aurora borealis. Close Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images The northern lights may be visible tonight, August 26, in parts of the northern U.S., including Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan, as well as Canada and Alaska.NOAA forecasts a Kp index of 3, possibly reaching nearly 4 by early Wednesday morning, which could expand aurora visibility further south.This heightened auroral activity is linked to the sun’s solar maximum cycle, which occurs about every 11 years when the sun’s magnetic activity peaks, increasing space weather events. Some skywatchers may be able to catch a dazzling light show this evening. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), several states in the northern U.S. could see the northern lights tonight, August 26. In addition to Canada and Alaska, the phenomenon may also be visible in parts of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan. NOAA is currently forecasting a Kp index of three, indicating that the northern lights could be visible just south of the Canadian border. The Kp index is a scale from 0 to 9 used to measure geomagnetic activity. The higher the number, the further from the poles the northern lights could appear. The Kp index may increase to almost four early Wednesday morning, according to the agency, meaning the aurora borealis may be visible in more states. Don't Miss Farmers' Almanac Predicts a 'Winter Wonderland'—These Regions Will Get the Most Snow 6 Planets Will Be Visible in the Sky This Week—Here's How to See the Planetary Parade NOAA recommends traveling to a north-facing, high vantage point away from light pollution to view the lights, which are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The period of increased auroral activity we've seen this year is due to the sun reaching its solar maximum period, a natural cycle the sun goes through as it transitions between low and high magnetic activity. According to NASA, the sun's magnetic poles flip approximately every 11 years, causing the sun to transition from a calm to an active state. The agency notes that when the sun is most active, space weather events become more frequent, leading to increased aurora visibility. Explore more: News Space & Weather News