The aurora borealis are expected to grace the skies of many northern states, reaching as far south as Nebraska and Illinois.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A cluster of space weather satellites blasted off Wednesday morning to cast fresh eyes on solar storms that can produce stunning auroras but also scramble communications and threaten astronauts in flight.

This satellite will play a critical role in detecting solar storms before they reach Earth, giving scientists, satellite operators and power grid managers more time to respond to potential disruptions.

A pair of solar eruptions may combine into a powerful "cannibal CME," boosting chances for dazzling auroras over Labor Day.

The northern lights could be visible across multiple states on Tuesday following a coronal mass ejection on the sun.

The northern lights could be visible across as many as 10 states on Sunday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather forecast, as the effects of a geomagnetic storm could impact the aurora.

Satellite imagery from NASA caught the aftermath of a hailstorm that ripped through a region southeast of Calgary, Alberta on Aug. 20. The scar, roughly 125 miles (200 km) in length, is especially visible because vegetation in the late summer "has matured and greened up," agency officials wrote on Aug. 28.

Germany said Thursday it would step up its defences -- from drone warfare to outer space -- at a time of growing tensions between Russia and NATO while the Ukraine war grinds on. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Thursday that Germany would spend 35 billion euros ($41 billion) on outer space defence by 2030,

This 2025 satellite photo shows the aftermath of a devastating hailstorm in Alberta, Canada, which destroyed property, collapsed pylons and killed at least two animals.

Hurricane Gabrielle is gaining strength in the Atlantic Ocean, and is now a Category 3 storm. This is now the second hurricane of the Atlantic Season. However, it is predicted to stay away from Florida as it takes a turn to the north and passes east of Bermuda. But the storm is still expected to stir up the seas locally.