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Northern Lights Forecast: CME Could Push Aurora Into 20 U.S. States Friday Night

Forecasters expect a Dec. 31 coronal mass ejection to drive Kp readings near 5–6.

Overview

  • NOAA projects unsettled to G1–G2 geomagnetic storming from late Jan. 2 into early Jan. 3.
  • Aurora visibility is most likely in Alaska and the northern tier, with faint horizons possible in northern Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.
  • Spaceweather.com says Earth may get an almost direct hit from the CME around Jan. 2–3, with a second CME possibly enhancing activity to G2 levels.
  • The best viewing window typically falls between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time from dark, north-facing locations away from light pollution.
  • A bright full “wolf” supermoon could wash out weaker displays, so observers should monitor NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast and SpaceWeatherLive for real-time updates.