- A strong geomagnetic storm is predicted for Tuesday, potentially bringing the northern lights as far south as Iowa and Wisconsin.
- The best time to view the aurora borealis is expected to be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
- Moving away from light pollution will increase chances of seeing the northern lights.
Fireworks won’t be the only entertainment in the sky across parts of the nation on New Year’s Eve as the northern lights are predicted to make an appearance to close out the year.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch for Tuesday as a coronal mass ejection that left the sun on Sunday is expected to reach Earth.
The prediction center forecasts that the lights may be seen as far south as northern Iowa and southern Wisconsin.
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, made multiple appearances over the U.S. throughout the year, filling the skies with dazzling colors, including pink, green and blue.
Northern lights forecast map
How to best view the northern lights
The prediction center says that the best time to view the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
The center says that moving away from light pollution provides a better opportunity for seeing the lights. Viewers of the aurora will be aided by the so-called “Black Moon” on Monday − a second new moon in a month − that will keep the night sky dark overnight.
