Aurora Alert – A strong geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights as far away as Illinois on December 30th and 31st

We could be in for a New Year’s Aurora treat, with the Northern Lights potentially visible deep into the mid-latitudes tonight and tomorrow (December 30-31).

Due to an approaching solar storm, also known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 (strong) warning for geomagnetic storms for December 31st.

This is great news for those who want it See the Northern Lights as the predicted geomagnetic storm could trigger northern lights as far south as possible Illinois and Oregon (approx. 50° width).

The culprit? A CME – a huge cloud of plasma and magnetic field – was ejected into space from the sun on December 29th and the earth is in the line of fire. The CME is not alone, several other eruptions in recent days have also produced Earth-directed eruptions, which are expected to trigger strong geomagnetic storm conditions on December 31, according to solar astrophysicist Ryan French.

“The sun has been rising really sharply in the last few days, and often Solar flares including a strong X-Class event!,” French wrote in one Post on X. “A selection of these flares triggered Earth-directed eruptions that are expected to trigger a powerful geomagnetic storm (bringing auroras) on the 31st!” French continued.

The sun has really gotten stronger over the last few days, with frequent solar flares including a powerful X-class event! A selection of these flares triggered earth-directed eruptions that are expected to trigger a powerful geomagnetic storm (bringing aurora borealis) on the 31st! #SpaceWeather pic.twitter.com/oSiBZWAM4hDecember 29, 2024

When CMEs hit Earth magnetosphereThey bring with them electrically charged particles called ions, which collide with the Earth’s magnetic field. These collisions can trigger geomagnetic storms. In these storms, ions collide with atmospheric gases and release energy that manifests as light. This creates the breathtaking displays known as Northern lightsor Aurora Borealis, in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, in the Southern Hemisphere.

NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms using a G scale, which ranks their intensity from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). NOAA’s recent geomagnetic storm watch is rated G3, indicating strong storm conditions.

When will the geomagnetic storm occur?

Current forecasts suggest peak activity (G1 to G3 conditions) will occur between 10:00 p.m. EST on December 30th and 10:00 a.m. EST on December 31st (03:00 a.m. GMT and 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 31st). Another wave of activity is currently expected between 4:00 p.m. EST (2100 GMT) on December 31 and 10:00 p.m. EST (0300 GMT on January 1), with G1 conditions expected. Check out NOAA’s 3-day forecast for the latest timings – note that the timings are listed as UT.

Remember that Space weatherMuch like the weather on Earth, it is unpredictable and difficult to predict. Although geomagnetic storm warnings of this magnitude are rare, they can occasionally lead to nothing.

If you’re interested in tracking space weather and knowing when and where to spot auroras, download a space weather app that provides forecasts based on your location. One option I use is My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, which is available for both iOS And Android. However, any similar app should work well. I also use the Space Weather Live app. available on iOS And Androidto gain a deeper understanding of whether current space weather conditions are favorable for aurora sightings.

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Aurora Alert – A strong geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights as far away as Illinois on December 30th and 31st

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