The Northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are likely to be visible in northern New England on Thursday, and southern New England has a slight chance of catching the light show as well.
The colorful glow in the sky is caused by a geomagnetic storm. The stronger the storm, the more visible it is across the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Its forecast predicts the lights will most likely be visible in most of Maine, northern Vermont, New York state, and Canada.
Massachusetts and New Hampshire have a chance at a glimpse but might be out of reach.
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The best chance of seeing the phenomenon is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. A clear and dark sky will increase the chances.
NOAA said the lights take different forms. They can appear like tall colorful rays “that look much like a curtain made of folds of cloth.” They can form arcs and around midnight the aurora can “sway,” mimicking the movement of a curtain blowing in the wind.
We have the chance to see the Northern Lights locally tonight... It's a tricky forecast. Northern #NewEngland will have a much better view! @Boston25 pic.twitter.com/LLGt8QGy6C
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) May 11, 2023
Sarah Roberts can be reached at sarah.roberts@globe.com. Follow her @saraherobs.