Parts of about 27 states are partially or fully within NOAA's forecasted "view line" for the northern lights on Jan. 20. The view line indicates the southernmost point where the aurora could be seen on the northern horizon. However, the forecast is only a prediction; the aurora can be seen further if conditions are right, according to NOAA.

"This is the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years," the Space Weather Prediction Center said on Monday.