NEW YORK — This Thanksgiving season, there is a possibility that solar storms could lead to faint auroras being visible in the northern parts of the United States.

Auroras, which might be seen on Thursday and Friday, could be somewhat fleeting, and their visibility will largely depend on the intensity of the corresponding solar storms, according to NOAA meteorologist Mike Bettwy in a recent communication.

Areas that are well-positioned to potentially catch a glimpse of these natural light displays include states like Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Additionally, northern regions of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire might also witness the phenomenon.

For those hoping to view these auroras, it’s advisable to step outside when the sky is clear and dark while finding a location away from the bright lights of the city. Interestingly, using a smartphone camera could help capture details of the aurora that may not be seen with the naked eye.

Currently, the sun is in the peak phase of its 11-year solar cycle, which generally results in increased solar flares and more frequent appearances of northern lights. Recently, the sun emitted a high-energy pulse of plasma aimed at Earth.

This active period is expected to continue for at least another year, although it’s important to note that researchers won’t be able to determine the peak of solar activity until months after it occurs, as stated by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Fortunately, experts do not anticipate significant disruptions to communications caused by the solar storm currently in progress.

Earlier this year, NOAA issued an extraordinary warning about a severe geomagnetic storm, which turned out to be the most powerful storm in over 20 years, illuminating the skies across the Northern Hemisphere. Just last month, an impressive solar storm managed to dazzle skywatchers well beyond the Arctic Circle, with auroras being spotted in unexpected locations such as Germany, the United Kingdom, New England, and even New York City.