The strongest solar flare since 2017 will hit the area later Thursday evening, bringing with it the possibility of seeing an aurora, or northern lights.

A G3 magnetic storm is forecast for Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction division.

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the G3 storm will cause aurorae to be visible in the far northern parts of both states.

People in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos will have the best chance to see this, but cloud cover can be an issue.

Meanwhile, in Delaware, a stronger storm would be needed to see the aurora.

These storms can occur suddenly and occur during the day or at night.

To see this one, we have to make it happen at night. According to NOAA’s forecast, the storm will peak in our region on Friday evening.

How can I see the aurora?

Did you know that the best way to view the aurora is through your smartphone?

Your phone’s camera lens adapts to dark conditions and can pick up faint auroras that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Look to the northern sky Friday evening for a chance to see this rare spectacle!