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Aurora Outlook Tightens for Dec. 23 After Minor Storm, With Northern U.S. Still in Play

Forecasters say the coronal‑hole solar wind should keep conditions active as the southward reach weakens from Monday, with a possible Christmas Eve enhancement.

Overview

  • NOAA’s latest view line for Tuesday shows potential visibility in parts of Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
  • A G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm on Monday pushed the aurora farther south, with Kp values near 4–5 and sightings favored across a wider swath of northern states.
  • The activity is being driven by a fast solar wind stream from an Earth‑facing coronal hole, and short‑term timing remains variable based on real‑time solar wind conditions.
  • Tuesday’s best viewing window is 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time, with the highest odds in dark locations facing north and away from city lights and cloud cover.
  • Forecasters expect the solar wind influence to persist through midweek, with a weaker reach than Monday and the potential for a Dec. 24 boost if a coronal mass ejection arrives.