A small chance exists to witness the northern lights on Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm watch for December 25, due to an impending Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the M8.9 flare observed on Dec. 23.
When this CME interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, geomagnetic storms and northern lights can occur. Forecasters predict KP5 levels, potentially bringing aurora displays as far south as mid-Michigan, making it visible from certain locations.
However, clear skies are essential to viewing the display, as perma-cloud cover is expected to bring warmer temperatures and cloud cover of over 80% in some areas. Manistee has the best chance with 55% cloud cover on Dec. 25.
The northern lights occur when electrified gas bubbles from solar storms interact with Earth’s atmosphere, creating beautiful displays. NASA describes this phenomenon as a “sun burp,” where the sun releases energy and particles into space, which can be seen in the sky under the right conditions.
Source: https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/northern-lights-christmas-19999821.php