Last spring, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And last fall, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

Parts of Canada and other northern U.S. states have the best chance to catch a glimpse of the aurora tonight, including some lucky folks in northern Washington.