Aurora Borealis on New Year’s Eve: Where It’ll Be Visible Tonight

The sun has arrived Solar activity maximum in 2024which means we’ve seen some amazing Northern Lights. it extends far enough south Light up half of America exist Twice in 2024and it looks like 2025 will bring some exciting Northern Lights sightings as well. It turns out the universe is a master of timing. Those wondering when the Northern Lights will make their first appearance in 2025 won’t have to wait long at all, as they’ll be ringing in the new year across much of the United States.

This northern lights appear during periods of high solar activity. According to EarthSky, a total of 20 solar flares were detected in the past 24 hours, some of which began hitting the Earth yesterday. The result is a spectacular display of auroras that will continue into tonight. Most solar flares are fairly minor, but because so much solar material is ejected, in this case the total is greater than the sum of its parts. Coronal mass ejections aimed at Earth have begun impacting the planet, setting the stage for aurora nights.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the solar storm will be registered as a G3 and is classified as Severe magnetic storm. In addition to pretty lights, geomagnetic storms can affect space objects’ electronics and interfere with some radio signals. The strongest part of the geomagnetic storm will hit in the early evening and gradually weaken as night falls, so if you plan on viewing the Northern Lights tonight, you may want to get out early.

Where can I see the Northern Lights tonight?

Every NOAAthe Northern Lights are most visible in the northernmost states of the United States, including Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine. It will extend far enough south to be visible in Idaho, Michigan and South Dakota, as well as New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Oregon, Wyoming and Iowa. This will also happen in the uppermost areas of .

It’s possible that the magnetic storm could push the aurora borealis far enough south to hit Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania, but it’s currently not expected to travel that far.

For now, the list above is just a prediction. The actual Northern Lights may be stronger or weaker, which affects where it is visible. No way Lighting up much of the United States Just like the strongest aurora in 2024.

How to watch the Northern Lights

Generally speaking, the rules for viewing the Northern Lights are the same as for viewing meteor showers. You’ll want to stay as far away from light pollution as possible and look for clear skies, as clouds can completely obscure your view.

From there, it may still be difficult to see if you’re near the southern regions of the aurora, but your smartphone can help. People on social media are having a lot of success using their phone’s night mode, which increases exposure time and allows the lens to capture the colors in the sky, which can help you take good photos even if you can’t see the sky. The photos are up to you. As a general rule, the further away from a major city, the greater your chances.

Additionally, when you’re out and about, you may find Meteors from the Quantum Meteor Showerwill reach its peak on the evening of January 2nd.