It's good news for aurora chasers as peak auroral activity occurs a few years after solar maximum, according to Brekke. This means the best time to see the northern lights and the southern lights will be during the 2026-2027 aurora season.

A patch of the northern U.S. could have a chance to see aurora borealis on Friday night, with quieter geomagnetic activity expected through the weekend, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast.

A value called Bz indicates how far south the solar wind's magnetic field is pointing, which can predict how likely the northern lights are to occur.

Looking to see the northern lights this year? Check out our tips on how to choose the right cruise to get the best views.