A rare geomagnetic storm is forecasted to bring the northern lights to 18 states, including Illinois, on Thursday night. Normally visible in Alaska, the auroras will be active and brighter further from the poles. Residents of northern Illinois and Wisconsin are in luck, with their viewing area stretching just south of the states. To increase chances of seeing the spectacle, observers should head to dark areas away from cities and light pollution, preferably within an hour or two of midnight.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-northern-lights-thursday