Northern Lights Expected to Illuminate Skies Across Northern U.S. on Christmas Night

A minor geomagnetic storm caused by a solar flare may make the aurora borealis visible in several northern U.S. states and much of Canada.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a Kp index of 5, indicating favorable conditions for the aurora borealis to extend beyond its usual polar visibility zones.
The northern lights may be visible in states like Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, and northern parts of Michigan, Maine, and Washington, as well as much of Canada.
The phenomenon is linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) from a solar flare on December 23, which is creating a minor geomagnetic storm on Earth.
Optimal viewing conditions include dark, clear skies between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in areas with minimal light pollution, with chances increasing the farther north one is located.
This event follows a year of heightened solar activity, with experts predicting continued vibrant auroral displays into 2025 due to the sun's current solar maximum phase.