The year 2024 witnessed an extraordinary surge in solar activity, resulting in the most dazzling displays of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, in five centuries. This vibrant spectacle, a dance of light across the night sky, is a direct consequence of the sun’s dynamic behavior. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared that the sun reached its “solar maximum” within its 11-year cycle, a period marked by heightened space weather events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These phenomena propel bursts of energy and plasma towards Earth, interacting with our atmosphere to create the mesmerizing auroras. The intensity of this solar maximum has surpassed predictions, with its peak projected to extend through 2025 and into early 2026, promising continued opportunities to witness this celestial wonder.
The heightened solar activity of 2024 culminated in a series of remarkable events. In May, a powerful geomagnetic storm, the strongest in two decades, bombarded Earth after multiple solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This resulted in arguably the most brilliant Northern Lights displays in 500 years. The intensity continued to escalate, culminating in the most potent solar flare of the cycle on October 3rd. This event disrupted radio communications, power grids, and navigation systems, while also posing risks to spacecraft and astronauts. Just a week later, a severe geomagnetic storm on October 11th painted the night sky with auroras visible as far south as northern Florida, a rare and breathtaking spectacle for many.
The visibility of the aurora borealis is geographically dependent and influenced by the intensity of geomagnetic storms. Alaska and northern Canada are privileged with regular displays throughout the year. During periods of heightened solar activity, the auroras expand their reach southward, gracing the skies of the northern United States. “Quiet” auroras, occurring twice weekly during solar maximum, shimmer over states like Washington, Idaho, North Dakota, and Minnesota. South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan have a lower likelihood of sightings. “Moderate” auroras extend the viewing zone further south, while “active” auroras, triggered by strong geomagnetic storms, bring the spectacle to Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Illinois. The exceptional displays of May and October 2024, fueled by “very active” auroral activity, painted the skies as far south as Florida, California, Texas, and Kansas, a testament to the remarkable power of the solar maximum.
2024 proved to be a banner year for aurora borealis sightings across North America. Alaska, as always, enjoyed frequent displays. During less intense solar activity, North Dakota emerged as a prime viewing location, while Washington, Minnesota, and northern Idaho experienced regular occurrences. Popular viewing destinations recommended by Brand USA included Idaho, Alaska, Maine, Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The exceptionally strong geomagnetic storms of May and October pushed the aurora’s reach far beyond its typical boundaries, offering rare glimpses of the phenomenon over New York City, Detroit, and other areas not accustomed to such celestial displays.
Witnessing the aurora borealis requires careful planning and consideration of optimal viewing conditions. The ideal time for observation is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, preferably from a high vantage point far from light pollution. Under ideal conditions, the aurora can be seen from up to 620 miles away. Modern technology has also enhanced aurora viewing. Smartphone cameras, with their sensitivity to color and night mode capabilities, can capture the spectacle even when it’s not readily visible to the naked eye. For traditional cameras, wide-angle lenses, high ISO settings, and maximum focus distance are recommended.
The scientific community is actively engaged in unraveling the mysteries of space weather and its impact on Earth. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, in its closest-ever approach to the sun this month and three planned future approaches, is poised to gather crucial data about space weather at its source. The European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission, launched in December 2024, will create artificial solar eclipses, allowing scientists to study the sun’s corona, coronal mass ejections, and the acceleration of solar winds. These ambitious missions aim to deepen our understanding of the sun’s complex processes and their influence on Earth.
The aurora borealis, a captivating display of light and color, is born from the interaction of solar energy with Earth’s atmosphere. Electrons propelled by solar flares and coronal mass ejections collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in our atmosphere, energizing them and causing them to release light. The 11-year solar cycle, with its fluctuating levels of activity, dictates the frequency and intensity of these displays. Scientists are diligently working to understand the effects of space weather events, particularly how Earth’s atmosphere responds to the influx of energy during intense solar storms. This knowledge is crucial for future space exploration, particularly for safeguarding astronauts on missions to the moon and Mars.
