Space weather forecasters have issued an alert for incoming severe solar storms that could produce bright northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications.

Several recent coronal mass ejections from the sun are expected to reach Earth Tuesday night into Wednesday, potentially affecting radio, GPS, and other systems.

Auroras may be visible across much of the northern U.S., and as far south as Alabama and Northern California, due to the sun being at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle.

Solar storms can also impact power grids, satellites, and air traffic communications, with historical storms even causing telegraph fires in 1859, NPR has reported.

Skygazers can track aurora forecasts online, seek dark locations away from city lights, and may capture faint displays with a smartphone camera.