New Year’s Eve storm could make Northern Lights visible in US as Americans ring in 2025

December 31, 2024

Those living on America's northern border may be able to see the spectacular colors of the Northern Lights for the last time before the new year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says a solar storm caused by two bursts of plasma hurtling toward Earth could cause aurora borealis to appear early this week.

“A burst of activity occurred over the weekend of December 28-29 as the active region and sunspot group became unstable,” NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported.

See the Northern Lights in the U.S. and around the world with these viewing tips

And tonight may be the perfect time to observe the dancing colors of the night sky.

Alaska is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, especially this New Year's Eve. (Getty Images)

A tracker on NOAA's website noted that it “indicates a 'viewline' representing the southernmost location where the aurora may be visible on the northern horizon.”

Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine have the potential to witness spectacular light displays.

Due to solar flares, there could be a rare chance to see the Northern Lights this weekend

Meanwhile, parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and even New York may see some light.

“Aurora borealis are often observed just after sunset or just before sunrise somewhere on Earth,” NOAA reports.

“The aurora doesn't have to be directly overhead, but if the aurora is bright and the conditions are good, it can be observed from up to 1,000 kilometers away.”

FOX Weather reported that one of the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hit the Earth's atmosphere on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a geomagnetic storm watch until the first day of the new year.

Auroras may be seen in some areas this week after 'strong solar activity'

SWPC expects the geomagnetic storm to continue into Tuesday night as people ring in the New Year across the country.

The Northern Lights may reach parts of Iowa this New Year's Eve. (NWS Quad City)

When viewing the Northern Lights, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure maximum visibility, including location, timing, geomagnetic activity, and darkness.

position

The most important thing about the installation location is to find a location with few or no obstructions.

“Aim to find a spot with minimal tree lines or hills so you have a full view of the northern horizon,” FOX News previously reported.

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timing

The best time to see the lights is late at night or early in the morning, and that's certainly the case this year on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The Northern Lights were photographed by the NWS office in Caribou, Maine, one of the locations expected to see the Northern Lights on New Year's Eve. (NWS via Fox Weather)

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), “Aurora borealis are typically best seen within one to two hours after midnight (between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time).”

“Although northern lights can occur in the evening or morning, they are usually less active and therefore less visually appealing.”

geomagnetic activity

According to SWPC, when the Earth's magnetic field is active, auroras will be brighter, more intense, and farther from the magnetic poles.

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According to the Bureau of Meteorology website, the best time to see the aurora is when the planet's K index is 8 or 9 and the aurora moves toward the equator.

“A strong level 3 geomagnetic storm is possible on Tuesday, and a smaller level 1 geomagnetic storm is expected on New Year's Day. But space weather forecasters have upgraded their watches to level 2. “We are considering doing so,” FOX Weather reported.