STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible across the northern United States just after darkness falls on New Year’s Eve, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And another geomagnetic storm could make them visible once again just after sunset on New Year’s Day.

If you're hoping to catch the New Year's Northern Lights, you could just head outdoors on Tuesday night, look up, and hope for the best. Auroras can be seen from over 600 miles away when conditions are right, and it can't hurt to at least check. However if you want to maximise your chances of seeing something spectacular, it may pay to plan ahead.