If you haven’t had the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing northern lights this year, today may be your final chance. What a thrilling way to welcome the new year! The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for December 31 in anticipation of an imminent solar storm triggered by a recent eruption of solar material, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), that occurred on the sun’s surface on December 29. These CME explosions, driven by the sun’s magnetic field, can lead to spectacular aurora displays, as is expected in this case.
The SWPC has classified the geomagnetic storm as G3-level, which they describe as “infrequent but not uncommon.” They predict that the aurora may be visible across many northern states, possibly reaching as far south as Illinois and Oregon. NASA has reported that the visibility of the northern lights has peaked this year due to heightened solar activity, with the sun reaching its solar maximum in October.
Geomagnetic storms are triggered by various solar-related changes that affect the Earth’s magnetosphere, as explained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The most significant storms, like the one forecasted for December 31, are typically linked to CMEs. While solar storms can sometimes disrupt satellites, navigation systems, power grids, and pipelines, residents are not directly harmed thanks to Earth’s protective magnetic field and atmosphere. Instead, they can enjoy the spectacle of solar flares and northern lights.
The anticipated geomagnetic storm is set to occur on December 31, with the peak viewing time expected between 10 p.m. ET on December 30 and 10 a.m. ET on December 31, according to Space.com. Another optimal viewing window is forecasted between 4 p.m. ET on December 31 and 10 p.m. ET on January 1.
Alaska is projected to have the best chance of witnessing the aurora starting Monday evening, with other states like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin also likely to experience the phenomenon. Additional states along the aurora’s projected path include New York, Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
For the best viewing experience, observers are advised to move away from city lights to maximize visibility of the aurora. The ideal time to witness the lights is typically within an hour or two of midnight local time, and a full moon can impact the brightness of the aurora for viewers. It’s important to note that the aurora doesn’t need to be directly overhead to be visible, especially if it’s luminous and weather conditions are favorable.
2024 was a significant year for solar events, with a total solar eclipse visible to millions of Americans in April followed by widespread northern and southern lights caused by CMEs. While the solar maximum peak has passed and no total solar eclipses are predicted for next
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