It looks like 2025 might be off to a colorful start. (And no, we’re not talking about the confetti in Times Square.)
Apparently, the Northern Lights just might be visible on New Year’s Eve — a fun way to ring in the next 365 days around the sun. (And definitely less ominous-sounding than December 30th’s rare black moon!)
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the tracker indicates that Monday and Tuesday nights, December 30th and December 31st, might be vibrant due to the sun’s plasma bursts, which can result in the celestial spectacle.
Who will see the Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve?
Per the Associated Press, the lucky states that will catch an Instagrammable moment on Monday and Tuesday include: Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Those who aren’t quite as lucky? Parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, and New York could potentially see aurora borealis. New Yorkers, you might have to be closer to upstate to experience the glow, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed that those remaining in NYC this New Year’s will be treated to a little show.
But fear not: If NYC isn’t lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights before we kiss 2024 goodbye, there’s still plenty to look forward to: Up to 200 meteors per hour can be seen while the Quadrantids Meteor gets underway on January 2nd.
Then, later in the month, a rare planetary alignment will be visible to the naked eye, and you’ll be able to see six celestial bodies. We’re all feeling a little astronomically in-tune now!
And before we enjoy our next spin around the sun, revisit this fall’s geomagnetic storm throughout the city. Cheers to more celestial fun in the new year!