If you haven't seen the northern lights this year — today might be your last chance. And what a fun way to ring in the new year!
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Dec. 31 ahead of an incoming solar storm caused by an eruption of solar material (otherwise known as a coronal mass ejection or CME) that happened on the sun's surface on Dec. 29. A CME explosion is caused by the sun's magnetic field and, like in this case, can sometimes result in incredible aurora displays.
The SWPC said that the G3-level of the geomagnetic storm is “infrequent but not uncommon” and that the aurora “may become visible over many of the northern states,” as far south as Illinois and Oregon.
NASA reported that northern lights' visibility hit a 500-year peak this year because of the frequent solar activity, with the sun having reached its solar maximum in October.
What to know about geomagnetic storms
These storms are caused by several solar-related changes that impact the Earth's magnetosphere, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) explains. The largest ones, like the one expected to occur on Dec. 31, are associated with CMEs.
Sometimes solar storms can cause issues with satellites and navigation systems and can cause problematic currents with power grids and pipelines.
NASA reports that thanks to Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, residents are not directly harmed by any of these storms. Instead, they can witness solar flares and northern lights, as is expected in this case. According to the NOAA, solar storms of this scale are predicted to bring an aurora that "will become quite bright and active."
When will the geomagnetic storm occur?
A storm watch is in effect for Dec. 31. CMEs travel several million miles per hour, so the NOAA predicts that the best time to see the lights would be between 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 30 and 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 31, according to Space.com. There's also another anticipated time slot of 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 to 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 1.
Who might be able to see the lights?
The SWPC anticipates that Alaska will have the best chance of seeing the lights starting Monday evening. Other states that are likely to see the lights are Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. New York, Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are along the aurora's projected view line as of Monday.
The best way to view the lights
The NOAA says that viewers must get away from city lights to best view the aurora.
Even if the aurora is reported as being active during the day, the best time to view the lights is usually within an hour or two of midnight local time. A full moon can also diminish the aurora’s brightness for viewers, but the next full moon isn’t until Jan. 13.
If viewers are looking at maps, the NOAA also notes that the aurora does not need to be directly overhead to be seen — especially if it's bright and weather conditions are right.
Solar cycle expectations for 2025
The year 2024 was huge for solar news. In April, a total solar eclipse was visible to millions of Americans, which was then followed by multiple widespread northern and southern lights caused by CMEs.
While the solar maximum peak passed in October and no total solar eclipses were forecast for next year, 2025 will still be affected by the heightened solar activity of these last few months.
