The northern lights are best seen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time while at a high, north-facing vantage point away from light pollution, according to NOAA. Aurora borealis is best seen from late September into early April because of the longer nights, though the phenomenon can still be seen throughout the year depending on solar activity.

A coronal mass ejection hurtling from the sun toward Earth could trigger a geomagnetic storm, making the northern lights visible in up to 18 US states