The disruption to Earth’s magnetic field is caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) off the sun’s surface, which contain charged particles that move at thousands of kilometres per second toward our planet.
For a brief, intense time on Tuesday night, the event may reach a 7 on the K-index, which ranges from 0 to 9 and features higher numbers correlating to conditions that may allow auroras to dip farther south in latitude.
The SPWC says the auroras might be visible as south as Pennsylvania, Iowa and Oregon.
Who will have the best chance of seeing the northern lights?
There will be multiple factors in Canada for a possible aurora show, but if it comes to fruition will depend on where you are in the country.
The best viewing chances will be in Western Canada, on the Prairies, where abundant clear skies are expected overnight.
Meanwhile, nearly all of Eastern Canada may have to sit this one out.