Skywatchers thrilled by last year's celestial events, like the total solar eclipse and the long-awaited return of the "devil comet," may find even more to cheer for as 2025 approaches. Predictions are buzzing about the potential for spectacular northern lights displays, reignited by the sun's current Solar Cycle 25, which is known for its heightened activity.
Solar Cycle 25 is part of an 11-year solar phenomenon where the sun's poles reverse. This creates conditions ripe for solar storms, which include solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These explosive bursts of solar energy eject plasma and magnetic material outwards, and when they collide with Earth's magnetic field, they can ignite stunning displays of light at our poles, transforming them with vivid colors.
Recent activities have already foreshadowed this potential. This past October, scientists detected a massive X9 solar flare—one of the most powerful types, classified by intensity. This activity led to warnings of G3 geomagnetic storms, which can cause the auroras to reach farther south than usual. Indeed, the northern lights were reported around Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, with NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issuing severe geomagnetic storm alerts during these periods.
Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale from G1 to G5, with G1 events allowing visibility of the lights across northern parts of the United States, including Alaska and Canada, and G5 storms potentially casting their glow as far south as Texas and even Florida. Notably, one such storm last May brought the auroras to Hawaii, proving just how far-reaching these brilliant displays can be.
According to Mark Miesch, researcher at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the solar maximum—a period of peak solar activity—can persist for about two years or longer. Having reached this phase as of June 2024, Miesch referred to it as “space weather’s version of hurricane season.” With predictions of active solar storms remaining through 2025, enthusiasts are advised to keep their eyes cast toward the skies.
Reiterated by Lisa Upton, lead scientist at Southwest Research Institute, the sunlight's eruptions can serve as cosmic fireworks. "We’re beginning the declining phase of Solar Cycle 25—but this could last through the end of the decade,” Upton stated, highlighting the continued potential for fantastic northern light sightings. The exact timings of the solar storms and CMEs can be unpredictable; experts usually receive about 15 to 45 minutes' notice of when the intense solar activity may hit Earth, making predictions challenging yet exciting.
Looking forward, if solar maximum activity holds steady over the next few months, it stands to reason some Americans may have another chance to marvel at the northern lights soon. Will they light up skies over Florida and Hawaii again? It remains to be seen, as scientists continue to monitor solar activity closely and make predictions based on current trends.
For avid skywatchers, these prospects add up to thrilling future evenings under starry skies, with potential light shows poised to paint the landscapes across North America. So, be prepared and stay tuned for more updates as the sun continues to dazzle and delight!”