New York Could Get Glimpse Of Northern Lights To Ring In The New Year

A strong geomagnetic storm could give New York another look at the Northern Lights on New Year's Eve.

We have had our fair share of amazing weather events in Upstate New York in 2024. We've gotten to see the Northern Lights a  number of times (if you were lucky) as well as several different types of moons that made rare appearances and let's not forget about that eclipse that had everyone excited.

If you thought that the fun was over, think again! Because we could get another look at that illusive aurora borealis one more time before we turn the page to 2025!

NOAA reports that due to a geomagnetic storm the lights will be visible in some northern states and that includes New York.

What are the Northern Lights?

According to Space.com,

The aurora forms when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's upper atmosphere at incredible speeds — up to 45 million mph (72 million kph). Thankfully, our planet's magnetic field acts as a protective shield, preventing these solar particles from causing harm while creating the stunning spectacle we know as the northern lights.

What's interesting is that generally those lights are only visible in areas much further north that New York. We've been pretty lucky to be able see these lights so many times in 2024 and it looks like we will continue that trend in 2025.

CBS News reports that we're in the middle of a "solar maximum." That's why the lights have been so visible to use lately, and as far south as New York State.

...this solar cycle has been much more active than originally anticipated by an international panel of scientific experts. And this ramped-up activity isn't slowing down anytime soon.

You can keep track of the solar activity and the solar forecast at Space Weather Live.