For prime northern lights viewing in the United States, the strongest activity is forecasted to arrive late Friday night to Saturday morning. Clouds may also clear through the night to provide good vantages for the majority of the country, especially in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.

Authorities predict that states as far south as Oregon and Illinois will be able to see auroras between now and Oct. 6

The sun is in a spirited mood as it kicks out a glowing series of solar flares, including a fresh X9 that's the most intense we've seen in years.

On Oct. 3, the sun released the most powerful solar flare this solar cycle, a colossal X9.05 eruption — and it's heading for Earth.

A powerful solar flare has been hurled out of the Sun, and could cause disruption on Earth.The flare comes amid increasing solar activity that has brought a run of intense space weather in recent days and weeks.