A blast of material from the sun is headed toward Earth and could trigger northern lights displays on Friday, Oct. 9, according to space weather forecasters.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Oct. 9, saying G1 to G2 geomagnetic storm conditions are likely when a coronal mass ejection reaches Earth.

A CME is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields from the sun. NOAA said it left the sun on Oct. 6 in the wake of a long-lasting M1.4 flare. It’s a “full halo” event because it was launched from an active region near the center of the Earth-facing side of the sun.

Where And When To See The Northern Lights

The geomagnetic field is likely to reach G1 storm levels on Oct. 9, with the potential for periods of G2 conditions. That’s great news for those in northern-tier U.S. states because G2 storms can make aurora visible farther south than usual. However, the exact strength of any geomagnetic storm depends on the speed, density and magnetic orientation of the incoming solar material when it reaches Earth.

“The aurora may become visible over some northern and upper Midwest states from New York to Idaho,” NOAA said , advising aurora-watchers to check its webpage for updates.

What to Expect From This Week’s Space Weather

There could be more in the offing. SpaceWeather.com describes sunspot AR 4549 as “potentially dangerous,” noting that it could produce strong solar flares and that it “is directly facing Earth.”

The timing is good for skywatchers and photographers. With a new moon on Oct. 10, rural skies will be dark. That matters because faint auroras are easier to see and photograph under dark skies.

For observers in northern U.S. states, the practical advice is simple — check back here for the latest forecast on Thursday, watch for updated aurora maps and alerts, and be ready to go somewhere dark if conditions improve after sunset. The best chance is typically from dark rural locations with a clear view of the northern horizon.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.