Maps: Who could see northern lights after increased solar activity

(NEXSTAR) — Skywatchers in the northern U.S. could get another glimpse of the northern lights this week, marking yet another auroral opportunity this month.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a geomagnetic storm watch Monday after an active weekend of space weather.

Late Sunday, the SWPC noted that a strong solar flare, reaching X1.5 strength, had been observed and had the potential to impact Earth. While not as strong as the X5 flare reported earlier this year, it was one of the strongest in 2024.

Solar flares are classified based on their strength, much like eart...