The timing of the storm should provide a great show for Europe, but those in North America could also see the dazzling lights if the storm persists into nighttime.

"The aurora may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, and maybe as far south as Alabama to northern California," NOAA predicted.

A severe geomagnetic storm could bring the northern lights to a large portion of the country this week, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said Wednesday. Why it matters: While solar storms can trigger breathtaking celestial light shows in the night sky,