"Catch the Northern Lights This New Year's Eve: 18 U.S. States to See the Aurora Borealis as You Ring in 2025"
Catch the Northern Lights: Your Last Chance This Year!
For those who haven't yet witnessed the northern lights, now could be the perfect opportunity — and what better way to ring in the new year!
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for December 31, following a solar storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the sun on December 29. These powerful explosions from the sun’s surface can create breathtaking auroras, and this storm is expected to bring one of those displays.
The SWPC has indicated that this G3-level geomagnetic storm is “uncommon but not extremely rare,” and that the aurora could be visible in many northern states, potentially as far south as Illinois and Oregon.
Why Do These Storms Matter?
Geomagnetic storms result from solar events that disturb Earth's magnetosphere. The strongest storms, like the one expected on December 31, are caused by CMEs.
While solar storms can occasionally disrupt satellite systems and cause issues with power grids, NASA assures that the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from direct harm. Instead, these storms provide a great opportunity to see solar flares and the northern lights. The NOAA has noted that this particular aurora will be "bright and dynamic."
When to Watch the Lights
The geomagnetic storm will peak on December 31. The best times for viewing the aurora will be between 10 p.m. ET on December 30 and 10 a.m. ET on December 31. A second ideal viewing window will occur from 4 p.m. ET on December 31 to 10 p.m. ET on January 1.
Who Has the Best Chance of Seeing the Lights?
Alaska will likely have the clearest view starting the evening of December 30. Other states expected to experience the northern lights include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The aurora may also stretch southward to New York, Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Tips for Viewing the Aurora
The NOAA recommends getting away from artificial city lights for the best viewing experience. While the aurora may be visible at different times of day, the optimal viewing time is usually an hour or two before midnight local time. The upcoming full moon, which occurs on January 13, could reduce the aurora’s visibility, but it shouldn't interfere too much.
Additionally, the NOAA notes that the aurora doesn't need to be directly above you to be seen — as long as the conditions are right and the aurora is bright, it can be visible from various angles.
Solar Activity Outlook for 2025
2024 has been a remarkable year for solar events, with a total solar eclipse in April followed by multiple northern and southern lights displays caused by CMEs.
Although the solar maximum peak occurred in October, the heightened solar activity seen in recent months will continue to affect the Earth into 2025, offering more opportunities to witness solar phenomena in the coming years.
