Those keeping an early eye out for Santa Claus may catch a glimpse of a colorful night sky as the northern lights could be visible in parts of the country on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
The Space Weather Prediction Center's forecasted view line for the lights does notextend as far south as it did on Dec. 22; however, parts of seven states should be able to see them again on the penultimate day before Christmas.
The center said a minor geomagnetic storm is forecast due toeffects from the sun and strong solar winds.
Forecasters say the winds will continue through Thursday, Dec. 25. They add that additional "enhancements" could arrive Dec. 24 due to a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun's corona called acoronal mass ejection. Those enhancements would giveNochebuenaa colorful astral backdrop.
Advertisement
According to the prediction center,the best time to view the northern lightswill be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. It adds that moving away from light pollution provides a better opportunity for seeing the lights.
Here's where the northern lights may be visible on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
2025 was a year of cosmic discoveries. Here's a look back at 6
See northern lights forecast
States that may see the northern lights on Dec. 23
The Space Weather Center's forecast indicates that the northern lights could be seen in parts of the following states:
Alaska
Idaho
Minnesota
Montana
North Dakota
Washington state
Wisconsin
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:7 states are forecast to see northern lights on Dec. 23. See list.
