• Solar storms are expected to deliver stunning northern lights across several northern U.S. states for New Year's Eve.
• Visible locations include states like Alaska, Washington, Montana, and Minnesota, along with parts of several others.
• The best viewing times are during the early morning hours of Tuesday, following the arrival of solar plasma.
• To spot the auroras, seek out dark skies away from city lights and consider using a smartphone camera for enhanced visibility.
• This phenomenon ties into the sun's current maximum phase in its 11-year cycle, which increases the frequency of solar surges.

As the New Year approaches, a remarkable opportunity unfolds for residents in northern U.S. states to witness the stunning northern lights. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sun has expelled two bursts of plasma that are en route to Earth, anticipated to arrive early in the week, just in time for the festivities. The colorful auroras are expected to be visible on Monday and Tuesday nights across regions including Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Other potential viewing states include parts of Oregon, Iowa, and New York.

NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl noted that the early morning hours on Tuesday, while it is still dark, will offer the best chance for spectacular displays. For those eager to witness this celestial phenomenon, NOAA recommends checking for updated forecasts via the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or using an aurora forecasting app. Ideally, viewers should find an area with clear, dark skies, away from the bright lights of the city. Interestingly, taking photos with a smartphone may reveal details of the aurora that could remain invisible to the naked eye.

The current solar activity is notable as the sun is in the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, leading to a heightened frequency of solar surges and, consequently, northern lights. NOAA anticipates that this active phase will continue for at least another year, although the exact timing of when solar activity peaks will only become clear months down the line. Furthermore, NOAA is diligently monitoring the solar storms, as they may cause minor disruptions in high-frequency radio communications used by airlines and amateur radio operators.

In an exciting precedent, a severe geomagnetic storm warning was issued in May, marking the strongest solar storm in over two decades that delivered stunning light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, a powerful solar storm in October surprised skygazers as auroras appeared in regions farther from the Arctic Circle, including New England and New York City.