A coronal mass ejection hurtling from the sun toward Earth could trigger a geomagnetic storm, making the northern lights visible in up to 18 US states

A geomagnetic storm could spark some impressive auroras in the night sky over parts of the United States overnight Thursday into Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Space weather experts warn that a moderate-strength geomagnetic storm could hit Earth Friday or Saturday (Aug. 8 or 9) — possibly bringing auroras to northern U.S. skies. On Wednesday (Aug. 6), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a geomagnetic storm watch and suggested that the storm is likely associated with a recent solar flare that erupted from an active region of the sun.