ToplineParts of the northern U.S. could have an opportunity to see the northern lights on Wednesday night, with additional chances likely through the end of the week, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast.

Now that the sun has reached its solar maximum, aurora chasers should expect the northern lights to appear more frequently in the night sky.

The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are created when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's atmosphere. These charged particles are called "solar win

More states than previously predicted may have an opportunity to see the northern lights Tuesday as a geomagnetic storm could pull the phenomenon further south to become visible for more stargazers, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast. (See updated forecast for Friday night.)

The holidays are lighting up already. Space weather forecasts have suggested that several states, including parts of New York, may get yet another rare opportunity to view the aurora borealis early this week.