The Northern Lights may illuminate the skies over parts of the UK and the United States this New Year's Eve, possibly creating one of the most spectacular natural displays as we usher in 2024. The potential to witness the Aurora Borealis coinciding with celebratory fireworks is drawing the attention of skywatchers everywhere.
According to the Met Office, the UK has received reports forecasted to see the Aurora Borealis as a strong geomagnetic storm, driven by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, is set to strike Earth. This could allow the auroras to be visible far south of their usual limits, attracting the hopeful gazes of millions as they celebrate the New Year.
“We expect the Northern Lights to peak around 9 PM,” said Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge, indicating the best viewing opportunities would continue until about 3 AM on January 1. “Some areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England are likely to have the best visibility contingent on weather conditions.”
Unfortunately, the forecast is not without its challenges. Heavy rain, strong winds, and blizzards were predicted to sweep across the UK regions, leaving many potential viewings hampered by cloud cover. The Met Office issued multiple weather warnings—an amber warning for intense rain and yellow alerts for rain and snow—which could diminish the chances of enjoying the celestial show.
Across the Atlantic, predictions are just as promising for parts of the northern United States. Areas such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and northern states like Minnesota and Maine may witness stunning light displays as the aurora dances across the winter sky.
Disruptions caused by light pollution and inclement weather are also factors to contend with for American observers, with AccuWeather highlighting the need for clear, dark skies to appreciate the light show fully. They recommend finding locations away from city lights, possibly even taking advantage of local hills or higher ground for unobscured views. “The aurora does not need to be directly overhead,” noted the NOAA, “but can often be seen from over 1,000 kilometers away when conditions are perfect.”
Experts were optimistic about visibility, especially as they highlighted the aurora's palette of colors, showcasing vibrant greens, pinks, and even reds caused by charged particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere. This year, thanks to increased solar activity throughout the sun's 11-year solar maximum phase, sightings of the Northern Lights have surged, creating the potential for another captivating display on New Year's Eve.
NASA's and NOAA's reports confirm the likelihood of increases in auroral activity around holidays, like New Year's, particularly when geomagnetic storms are forecasted. “A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch is currently effect for Dec. 31,” another NOAA spokesperson mentioned, indicating they expect auroras might be visible just after sundown.
The excitement about the merging of festive fireworks and the natural beauty of the aurora was emphasized by the timing of the celestial spectacle. Families celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another will likely gaze up at both the artificial and natural illuminations lighting the night sky.
Individuals eager to catch the aurora should best prepare themselves. Experts advise using smartphones to capture longer exposure images of the phenomenon—these devices can typically reveal the lights' colors, even when the human eye may see them as dull or faint. Those planning to photograph the aurora are encouraged to secure their cameras using tripods for clarity and reduce the impact of movement.
The uncertainty of visible auroras necessitates readiness from curious onlookers. Authorities recommend stepping outside multiple times throughout the night to catch potential glimpses, as the celestial show can vary greatly with changes in geomagnetic activity. The calm moments between storms may provide just the right conditions for skywatchers.
Even as heavy rain impacts visual access across large parts of the UK on this momentous night, the blend of nature's light show and the excitement of New Year celebrations is bringing skywatchers out to explore the skies. “We can't control the weather,” Madge said, “but it promises to be quite the night—if you can find clear skies, it’ll be worth it.”
Tomorrow, Jan. 1, another storm watch will remain active, with predictions of potential aurora visibility continuing as geomagnetic conditions remain favorable. These lights aren't exclusive to December 31; they can appear anytime during this period of heightened solar activity—the spectacle of nature offers no shortage of chances for mesmerizing interactions with the cosmos.
Those peering up tonight will not only mark the end of the year but might also connect with the universe above, experiencing the allure of the Northern Lights during one of the most festive evenings of the year.