Sky watchers are getting excited for a different kind of light in the sky on New Year’s Eve. Instead of fireworks, many Virginians are hoping to see an aurora borealis light show as conditions are lining up over the northern part of the United States.
A G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for Dec. 31, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Northern Lights, as its more commonly called, may be visible again on New Year’s Day with a G1 (minor) watch issued for Jan. 1. The G1 watch for New Year’s Day may be upgraded to a G2 watch.
Space Weather Prediction Center forecasters have a fair level of confidence in some measure of Earth effectual components and general timing windows of these two particular coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. However, as is usual with these events, intensity is less certain.
The moon is nearly in its new moon phase, which means it shouldn’t prevent sky enthusiasts from seeing the colors.
Unfortunately, while the lights should be visible in the Shenandoah Valley and throughout Virginia due to the likely intensity, cloud cover may interfere.
“They would be visible if not for the clouds that are expected tonight,” said Thomas Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.
Kines said that people in the region may have a better chance of capturing the lights if they wait one day.
To get the best glimpse of the lights, it’s recommended to find a clear view of the northern sky and to find a dark area away from light pollution to view them.
City lights can easily outshine the aurora, so experts recommend traveling to areas far away from cities or highways.
Most smartphones can take colorful pictures of the aurora, even if it’s too dim to see with the naked eye, according to AccuWeather experts.
“It’s possible the Northern Lights would still be around Wednesday night, and if they are, there should be less in the way of clouds allowing much better viewing conditions,” Kines said.
Virginia has been fortunate to have had two chances to view the phenomenon this year in both October and May. In both cases, many people throughout the state were able to capture photographs of vibrant blue, green, purple and pink skies.
More information: The aurora borealis
- NOAA geomagnetic storm watch
- AccuWeather aurora alert
- Peter Forister Photography: Guide to photographing the Northern Lights
- Virginia Northern Lights and Star Nights Alerts Facebook group
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Crystal Graham
