• Minor geomagnetic storm expected to enable Aurora Borealis sightings in 14 states.
• Optimal viewing time for northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time.
• Skies will be darker due to a late-rising moon, enhancing visibility of the lights.
• The storm's effects could push the auroras further south than usual.
• Best places to view the lights include rural and dark areas away from city lights.

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is set to be visible across more than a dozen US states this week, thanks to a minor geomagnetic storm triggered by solar wind. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has predicted this rare opportunity for residents in states such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, and others to witness this stunning natural light display, which occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's atmosphere, creating vibrant colors in the sky, according to ABC News, Newsweek, and India Times.

The NOAA forecasts a Kp-index of 5, capable of pushing the visibility of the aurora significantly southward. This means people in numerous states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and several others, have the chance to see this magical display usually reserved for more northern latitudes. This unique opportunity arises due to increased solar activity linked to the solar maximum phase of the sun's 11-year cycle, according to ABC News and Newsweek.

The best viewing conditions are predicted to occur between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time, particularly vibrant between 11 p.m. and midnight EDT when skies are expected to be darker due to a late-rising moon. Observers are encouraged to seek out dark locations free from city lights to maximize their chances of seeing the auroras clearly, reports India Times.

For those eager to capture this celestial event, cameras set to night mode or long exposure will be crucial, as smartphones can pick up more colors than the naked eye. Additionally, resources like the citizen science platform Aurorasaurus allow users to track real-time sightings, enhancing the overall experience for skywatchers, according to ABC News and India Times.