Witness the Spectacle: Strong Aurora Borealis Forecast for New Year's Eve!

While fireworks light up the night sky in many parts of the world celebrating the arrival of the new year, a far grander celestial display is predicted to captivate viewers across North America: the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a strong possibility of this breathtaking phenomenon gracing the skies over much of Canada and parts of the United States on New Year’s Eve.

Aurora Borealis Visibility and Forecast

The NOAA's forecast indicates a significant geomagnetic storm, rating a five on their OVIATION scale (where one is minimal and nine is maximal). This heightened activity means the aurora could be visible far south of its typical range. A G3 geomagnetic storm, considered strong, is expected early on New Year's Day, and its effects are likely to enhance the visibility of the aurora borealis into Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. The Dec. 31 geomagnetic activity forecast is rated a five; a rating of one is limited activity and nine is the maximum.

Optimal Viewing Conditions

The best viewing will be in dark areas, away from major cities with minimal light pollution. However, cloud cover remains a significant factor. A large portion of the country is expecting overcast skies on New Year’s Eve, except for parts of the Maritimes and British Columbia. Even with a strong aurora display, cloud cover could significantly obstruct the view for many.

Aurora Borealis Sightings Across North America

According to NOAA, the aurora borealis will be particularly bright in Alaska and across Canada. Several states along the northern US border may also get to witness this celestial spectacle. These include but are not limited to Idaho, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. There's even a chance that the lights might be visible further south, possibly in states like Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Cities closer to the border, particularly northern cities, will have a better chance of viewing the lights.

Best Time and Viewing Tips

For optimal viewing, it is recommended to look up at the sky around or after midnight. To improve your view, consider seeking higher elevation viewpoints such as a tall building. Minimizing light pollution by getting away from city centers and avoiding areas with fireworks displays is also helpful. Many smartphones now have excellent night modes that can capture images of the aurora even in darkness, while photographers using professional cameras can manually adjust exposure and focus for better results.

A Rare Celestial Event: The Black Moon

A rare celestial event, the black moon, occurred the night before New Year's Eve. While definitions vary, a black moon is generally understood to happen when there are two new moons in a single month. The black moon is rather unusual, occurring approximately every two years or more, adding an extra layer of wonder to the already spectacular celestial display.

A Year of Exceptional Aurora Activity

2024 witnessed some of the most active displays of the aurora borealis in five centuries. The geomagnetic storms that drive these spectacular light shows were far more frequent than in the previous two decades. This heightened activity led to unusual sightings in parts of the United States, such as California, Florida, and Texas, where the aurora is rarely seen. This remarkable activity continued through the holiday season, gracing the skies on Christmas, Hanukkah, and Thanksgiving. Experts predict that this elevated level of aurora activity will likely persist for the next couple of years.

A New Year's Eve to Remember

This New Year's Eve promises to be a truly unforgettable spectacle, a combination of human celebration and a majestic display of nature's beauty. With the aurora borealis potentially visible in many unexpected locations, 2025 begins with a celestial show destined to inspire awe and wonder. The forecast suggests that this display of natural light will continue for the next few years, giving more opportunities to be mesmerized by the celestial dance of the aurora borealis.