Northern lights could be visible in upper fringes of the U.S. this New Year’s Eve

Solar storms may bring northern lights to several states in the northern U.S. just in time for New Year’s Eve, but cloud cover may put a damper on festivities.

Two bursts of plasma expelled from the sun arrived at Earth on Monday, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

They may spark more colorful auroras on Tuesday night in Alaska, Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa and New York may also get a piece of the view.

Widespread cloud cover, however, will likely be the bane of skygazers across the country.

Updated forecasts will be available during the event’s duration on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

In October, NASA declared that solar maximum has occurred in the current 11-year cycle, making solar surges and northern lights more frequent. The active period is expected to last for at least another year.

The northern lights are most visible just after sunset or just before sunrise, ideally away from bright city lights, NOAA said. Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

NOAA is monitoring this week’s solar storms for possible minor disruptions to high-frequency radio communications, which are used by airlines and amateur radio operators.

In May, NOAA issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning — it was the strongest storm in more than two decades, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. In October, a powerful solar storm dazzled skywatchers far from the Arctic Circle when auroras appeared in unexpected places, including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

Note: The above video first aired on Oct. 11, 2024