Finally, the states that may see something under the best possible conditions will be Iowa, northern Nebraska, Illinois, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. The very northern reaches of Indiana and Ohio may see something, but it's unlikely.

Northern Canada and Alaska will have the highest likelihood of viewing the phenomenon, once the sun sets in the state. A lesser chance is forecast for parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. (See map below.)

Heads up aurora chasers! The northern lights could illuminate skies overnight on Aug. 8-9 as an incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) and speedy solar winds may spark geomagnetic storm conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).