Sometimes solar storms can mess with satellites and navigation, and cause problems for power grids and pipelines.
NASA says thanks to our magnetic field and atmosphere, we’re not directly hurt by these storms. Instead, we can see solar flares and northern lights, like now. The NOAA predicts this storm’s aurora will be “bright and active.”
Credit: Space Weather Prediction Center
Space Weather Prediction Center
When’s the geomagnetic storm?
There’s a storm watch for Dec. 31. CMEs move fast, so NOAA thinks the best time to see the lights is between 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 30 and 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 31, according to Space.com. There’s also a chance from 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 to 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 1.
Who might see the lights?
The SWPC thinks Alaska has the best shot starting Monday night. Other likely states are Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. New York, Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are also in the possible viewing zone.