Periodically, the sun spews out gigantic eruptions of particles into the solar system. Sometimes, when the solar eruptions are aimed right at Earth, the particles may create brilliant auroras in night skies in many parts of the planet.

In the United States, plenty of Americans should have an opportunity Thursday to witness auroras dancing across the night sky.

A large chunk of northern U.S. states could get a glimpse at the northern lights on Thursday night, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast, which predicts a strong showing of the natural phenomenon amid a potentially severe geomagnetic storm.