The northern lights could provide a dazzlingpre-Christmasshow over parts of 10 states overnight Dec. 22.
A minor geomagnetic stormcaused bystrong solar windscould allow the aurora borealis to be seen as far south as southern Minnesota, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.
Forecasters say the event is caused by acoronal mass ejection, a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun's corona, that will pass by Earth after occurring on Dec. 20. The winds could continue through Dec. 24, givingNochebuenaa colorful astral backdrop.
The prediction center saysthe best time to view the northern lightswill be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. It adds that moving away from light pollution provides a better opportunity for seeing the lights.
Here's where the northern lights might be seen on Dec. 22.
See northern lights forecast
States that may see the northern lights on Dec. 22
Northern lights dazzle as far south as Florida during rare geomagnetic storm
The Space Weather Center's forecast indicates that the northern lights could be seen in parts of the following states:
Alaska
Idaho
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Washington
Wisconsin
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pre-Christmas northern lights may be seen in 10 states. See the list
