Stargazers might be in for a treat this Christmas! The northern lights could make an appearance due to active space weather from the sun. While we aren’t expecting a huge aurora event, there’s a good chance for beautiful displays, especially in northern regions.
Right now, Earth is facing strong solar winds from a large coronal hole on the sun. These winds have been speeding up, reaching around 500 miles (800 kilometers) per second. That’s almost double the usual speed, making conditions ripe for some festive auroras.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the elevated solar wind conditions should last through December 25. This means we might see geomagnetic activity rise during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Though conditions could calm a bit, expect moments of active auroras!
A recent study shared by NOAA indicates that the chance for sightings could get a boost from a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the sun on December 20. It’s predicted to pass near Earth on December 24. Even a close encounter might enhance the auroras, depending on how it interacts with the solar wind.
If you’re near northern states in the U.S., like Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, or Minnesota, keep your eyes peeled. People in northern Canada, Greenland, and parts of Scandinavia might also catch a glimpse.
To stay updated on potential sightings, consider downloading a space weather app for real-time alerts. The “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” app is popular among users and works well on both iOS and Android. Another great option is “Space Weather Live,” also available on both platforms.
In a world where light pollution often obscures our view of the stars, the auroras remind us of the beauty of the universe. Whether you’re an avid skywatcher or just curious, make sure to embrace this rare opportunity. Who knows? You might just witness a magical dance of lights this holiday season!
