You might be able to see the northern lights from Wisconsin Wednesday night

Sky watchers may be able to see the northern lights in parts of the upper Midwest on Wednesday night, according to a news release from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center .

According to NOAA, the aurora may be visible across the northern United States. Here's what to know about the northern lights forecast and how to catch a glimpse of the lights in Wisconsin:

When could I see the northern lights in Wisconsin?

The northern lights could be visible in northern Wisconsin Wednesday night, during which the NOAA predicts a minor geomagnetic storm.

For the most-up-to-date predictions, you can monitor the NOAA aurora forecast tool , where you'll see the prediction for 35 minutes ahead, and you can check the latest weather forecast via the National Weather Service .

What's the science behind northern lights?

Northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are created as a result of solar activity, according to the NOAA.

When particles from a coronal mass ejection arrive to Earth, they interact with the planet's magnetic field, causing the northern lights to appear in the sky. Oxygen gives off a green and red light, while nitrogen glows blue and purple.

When northern lights are active, the best time to see them is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Places in Wisconsin to see the northern lights

Here's a list of places in Wisconsin that could offer some of the best views of the night sky:

• Newport State Park , Ellison Bay
• Driftless Wisconsin
• Harrington Beach State Park
• Kettle Moraine State Forest
• Kohler-Andrae State Park
• Parnell Tower

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: You might be able to see the northern lights from Wisconsin Wednesday night