"New Year's Eve Solar Flare Marks Strongest in Six Years, Ushers in Vivid Auroras and Radio Blackouts"

The Sun emitted its strongest solar flare since 2017, an X5.0 class, which may lead to visible auroras, including the northern lights, around January 2. Observers in favorable locations like Norfolk, UK, with clear northern horizons, are in a good position to witness the event. Solar flares are massive bursts of energy from the Sun that can cause the Earth's atmosphere to light up when charged particles interact with it. The potential for auroral displays depends on the interaction of these particles with Earth's magnetic field, and updates from space weather prediction services like NOAA can provide the latest information on visibility.