As Thanksgiving approaches, stargazers across the northern United States may just be in for a celestial treat: the faint glow of the Northern Lights! This year's phenomenon is attributed to solar storms that could create beautiful auroras, primarily visible on Thursday and Friday nights.

Meteorologist Mike Bettwy from NOAA predicts that while these auroras won’t be as vibrant as those seen in the Arctic, they will add a unique flair to the Thanksgiving festivities for many in the northern states. The best opportunities to catch these enchanting lights will be in states like Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Northern regions of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire also stand a chance to witness this natural spectacle.

The timeframe for viewing the auroras is anticipated to be from 10 p.m. EST on Thanksgiving night until approximately 1 a.m. EST on Friday. However, the exact window can be tricky to predict, and updates will be available through the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or various aurora forecasting apps as the days progress.

To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, find a location with clear skies and away from the distractions of city lights. Interestingly, smartphones may offer a unique advantage; they can sometimes capture colors and refractions that are invisible to the naked eye.

This Thanksgiving coincides with the sun being in its peak 11-year solar cycle, leading to an increase in solar activity, including the potential for northern lights. Just last week, a powerful pulse of high-energy plasma was ejected from the sun towards Earth, contributing to the heightened auroral activity. This active solar phase is predicted to continue for at least another year, though it may take months for scientists to determine when solar activity peaked.

What’s particularly encouraging for viewers is that experts believe this week's solar storm won’t result in significant communication disruptions, ensuring that everyone can keep in touch with loved ones while they scour the skies for the mesmerizing display.

Earlier this year, an extraordinary severe geomagnetic storm provided viewers with a show-stopping aurora spectacle across the Northern Hemisphere. The lights were spotted in locations as surprising as Germany, the UK, and even in New England and New York City.

So gather your friends and family, grab a warm blanket, and prepare to be awestruck by Mother Nature's breathtaking light show this Thanksgiving! Don’t miss this chance, as auroras are unpredictable, and you never know when they might grace our skies again.