The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a powerful geomagnetic storm that will make the northern lights visible in 18 US states.
Monday’s readings from NOAA estimate that the lights, also called “Aurora Borealis”, could have a Kp index as strong as 6.67, on a scale of 0 to 9. The agency estimates they will last around three days and be quite bright and active.
According to NOAA, a strong expected overnight G3-level geomagnetic storm will cause these intense auroras. This is the result of an ejection of solar material on Sunday. Storm activity will drop to a Kp index of 5 by day two.
The states where the northern lights will be visible
Auroras will be most visible in the northernmost regions of the United States. Being closest to the Arctic Circle, Alaska offers the greatest chance of witnessing this phenomenon. Other states with potential northern light sightings include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Several other states, like Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, could fall within the southern reach of the northern lights’ visibility.
NOAA advises that the optimal period for observing the aurora is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. They recommend seeking elevated, unobstructed locations to reduce urban light pollution and travel north, if possible, for an optimal experience.
Aurora visibility hit a 500-year peak in 2024
NASA has said that the northern lights reached a 500-year peak in 2024, exceeding scientists’ expectations. In October the agency announced the sun had reached “its solar maximum” in its current 11-year solar cycle.
This means the sun is experiencing heightened solar activity, characterized by intensified solar flares, geomagnetic storms such as the anticipated event for the Aurora Borealis, and increased coronal mass ejections.
NASA also says they anticipate heightened solar activity to continue into the upcoming year and extend through 2026, before declining by the decade’s end.
NOAA has also released maps predicting the intensity and location of the northern lights in the US for Monday, December 30, and Tuesday, December 31. The agency explained, “The brightness and location of the aurora is typically shown as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole. The green ovals turn red when the aurora is forecast to be more intense.”
These maps are constantly updated on NOAA’s website.
This expected viewing map is for Monday, December 30.
This expected viewing map is for Tuesday, December 31.
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