Your Friday night plans just got a whole lot cheaper: The northern lights are expected to be visible across parts of the U.S. this weekend, saving you hundreds on a trip to Iceland or Alaska. Instead of booking a pricey flight, you can just drive to a dark park in states like Washington, Montana, or New York to catch the celestial show for free. But here’s the catch for your wallet: Don’t get scammed by price-gouging hotels near “prime viewing spots,” and skip the expensive guided tours—your own smartphone can capture the aurora with a simple trick. Bonus tip: check the NOAA space weather forecast app before you head out to avoid wasting gas money if clouds move in.