Northern lights may be visible in parts of New England

The northern lights, also known as the aurora, may be visible in some parts of the United States early this week. This could happen on Monday and Tuesday nights, but it depends on the weather. A geomagnetic storm might hit Earth this week. Space weather forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggest a coronal hole on the sun could send high-speed streams our way. This storm is classified as G2, or moderate, and could allow people to see the aurora from areas such as New York to Idaho. However, on Monday, it is unlikely that residents of New England will see the northern lights. NOAA's aurora forecast maps show that areas below a certain line, including most of Massachusetts, are less likely to experience this phenomenon. People living near the Canadian border in Vermont and New Hampshire, and parts of Maine, may have a better chance on Tuesday. For those in Massachusetts who want to catch a glimpse of the aurora, a drive north may be necessary. The best time to view the lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. When visible, the northern lights often appear in hues of green and purple. This colorful display happens when energetic particles collide with the atmosphere, creating the stunning light show.