Look to the Sky in These 18 States on New Year's Eve

Look to the Sky in These 18 States on New Year's Eve

Will the Northern Lights Shine in 2025? Look to the sky in these 18 states on New Year's Eve.

If you haven't seen the Northern Lights this year — now 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 warning on December 31 ahead of an incoming solar storm caused by an eruption of solar material (also known as a coronal mass ejection, or CME) that occurred on the sun's surface on December 29. A CME is caused by the sun's magnetic field and, as in this case, can sometimes lead to spectacular aurora displays.

The Space Weather Prediction Center said a G3 level geomagnetic storm is "rare but not uncommon" and that aurora "may become visible over many northern states," even as far south as Illinois and Oregon.

NASA reports that the northern lights are at their highest in 500 years this year due to frequent solar activity, with the sun reaching its solar maximum in October.

What to know about geomagnetic storms?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) explains that these storms are caused by various sun-related changes that affect the Earth's magnetic field. Like those expected to occur on December 31, the largest storms are associated with coronal mass ejections.

Sometimes, solar storms can damage satellites and navigation systems and cause problematic currents in power grids and pipelines.

NASA reports that Earth's residents are severely affected by any of these storms thanks to the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. Instead, they can see solar flares and the northern lights, as is expected in this case. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, solar storms of this magnitude are expected to bring auroras that "will be very bright and active."

When will the geomagnetic storm occur?

A storm warning is in effect for December 31. Coronal mass ejections travel several million miles per hour, so the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the best time to see the lights will be between 10 p.m. EST on December 30 and 10 a.m. EST on December 31, according to Space.com. Another expected window is from 4 p.m. EST on December 31 to 10 p.m. EST on January 1.

Who might see the lights?

The SWPC predicts Alaska will have the best chance of seeing the lights starting Monday evening. Other states 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 all along the line of sight for the aurora, which is expected to be visible starting Monday.

The best way to see the lights

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends that viewers move away from city lights to get the best view of the aurora.

Even if aurora activity is reported 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 make the aurora less bright for viewers, but the next full moon will be on January 13.

If viewers are looking at maps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also notes that the aurora doesn't need to be directly overhead to be seen—especially if it's bright and the weather conditions are right.

2025 Solar Cycle Forecast

2024 was a big year for solar news. In April, millions of Americans saw a total solar eclipse, followed by widespread northern and southern lights caused by coronal mass ejections.

While the peak of solar activity passed in October and no total solar eclipse is expected next year, 2025 will still be affected by increased solar activity over the past few months.