Brunswick, Maine – As the clock strikes midnight to usher in the new year, sky gazers in North America may be treated to a spectacular celestial show. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are predicted to be visible across parts of the continent starting Tuesday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

A pair of coronal mass ejections, which are bursts of magnetic field and plasma from the sun’s outer atmosphere, are anticipated to reach Earth Tuesday, creating a powerful geomagnetic storm across the Northern Hemisphere. This event might offer many Americans a stunning view of the vibrant lights as they welcome the new year.

Typically seen in North polar regions, the northern lights have made appearances further south in the U.S. this year due to heightened solar activity during the current solar cycle. This cycle reaches its peak in 2024, generating major solar storms that have extended the visibility of the aurora to regions not accustomed to witnessing them.

Lisa Upton, lead scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, explained that the solar cycle’s peak this year has produced several notable solar storms impacting Earth. These events have allowed individuals as far south as Alabama to witness the mesmerizing display of northern lights.

Given that it is a new moon phase, when the moon facing Earth is unilluminated, chances of spotting the aurora in expected areas will be enhanced. Forecasts suggest that Tuesday night and possibly Wednesday night are the optimal times to catch a glimpse of the auroras, particularly in areas with less light pollution.

To increase the likelihood of witnessing the aurora, sky watchers should venture outside at night, away from city lights, and direct their gaze northward. The best viewing times are usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., but auroras can occasionally be observed in the morning or evening as well.

For those interested in photographing the aurora, tips include using night mode on cell phones, adjusting ISO and exposure settings, or utilizing apps to assist with camera adjustments. Enthusiasts can track the timing and location of the auroras through various forecasting apps and the NOAA website for an optimal viewing experience.