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New Year’s Eve Northern Lights? Maybe, but it’s complicated – NBC Chicago
A massive geomagnetic storm could make the Northern Lights visible across wide swaths of the northern United States, but there’s a big catch in the Chicago area.
According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a G3 geomagnetic storm watch will be in effect until Tuesday, with another storm watch in effect for Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning.
Officials say a “flurry” of solar activity occurred over the weekend, with numerous solar flares leading to a series of coronal mass ejections that are expected to impact the Earth in coming days.
The strongest of those CME’s is expected to impact Earth late Monday night and into Tuesday morning, according to Space.com.
Unfortunately for Chicago-area residents, there is a pretty significant catch. While Monday will be partly-to-mostly sunny across the area, clouds are expected to start building ahead of a low-pressure system that will arrive overnight Monday and into Tuesday morning.
As a result, cloud cover or rain could end up obscuring the Northern Lights if they occur, spoiling the show for residents of the Midwest.
Iisha Scott has the latest forecast.
You can stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team’s latest forecasts to see if any breaks in the clouds develop during the overnight period.
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s upper atmosphere, with the resulting interaction displaying a wide variety of colors that can be seen across parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
There have been multiple instances this year of particularly strong geomagnetic storms that have made the Northern Lights visible across most of the continental United States, even as far south as Texas and Alabama.
These storms are occurring more frequently as the sun hits the “maximum phase” of its 11-year solar cycle, according to NASA. That phase sees the sun’s magnetic poles flip, with more sunspots and increased solar activity taking place, and can last for up to a year or more.
As we approach New Year’s Eve, many people are hopeful for a chance to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights illuminate the night sky. However, the possibility of witnessing this natural phenomenon on such a special night is complicated.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a result of charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. This creates a stunning display of colorful lights dancing across the sky, typically seen in regions near the North and South Poles.
While it is possible to see the Northern Lights in certain parts of the northern United States, including states like Alaska and Minnesota, the chances of witnessing this spectacle on New Year’s Eve are uncertain. Factors such as weather conditions, light pollution, and the intensity of solar activity all play a role in determining whether the lights will be visible.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve, it may require some planning and luck. Consider heading to a location with minimal light pollution, keeping an eye on solar activity forecasts, and being prepared to stay up late into the night for the best chance of seeing the lights.
So, while the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve is indeed complicated, the opportunity to witness such a breathtaking natural phenomenon is always worth the effort. Keep your eyes on the sky and embrace the magic of the Northern Lights this holiday season.
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New Year’s Eve, Northern Lights, NBC Chicago, Aurora Borealis, holiday celebrations, celestial phenomenon, winter events, 2023 countdown, night sky spectacle, northern hemisphere, atmospheric conditions, natural light display, aurora viewing, holiday travel, celestial wonders.
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