Stay updated on Aurora Borealis sightings with AuroraWatch UK!
Witness the breathtaking aurora borealis, or northern lights, a stunning natural display sometimes visible in the UK night sky. AuroraWatch UK helps you monitor geomagnetic activity and provides alerts for potential aurora sightings.
Receive timely notifications when geomagnetic activity increases, triggered by changes in the AuroraWatch status level. This indicates the probability of seeing the aurora in the UK.
Check the current alert status (see Notes).
Review the past 24 hours of activity.
Access a 30-minute forecast model from the SWPC.
Report any issues to [email protected].
Important Notes:
- AuroraWatch UK is NOT a predictive tool; it provides alerts based on observed geomagnetic activity.
- Phone settings like Battery Saver, which restrict push notifications, may limit or block aurora alerts. Ensure notifications are enabled for AuroraWatch UK in your phone's settings.
- The app doesn't send historical alerts. If your phone is off or offline during a status increase that subsides before the next data update, you won't receive an alert.
- A delay exists before alerts are sent to allow the data to stabilize, as recommended by Lancaster University.
- Alerts primarily use data from the Lancaster magnetometer, resulting in a more conservative approach for those in England. Sightings are more likely further north.
- This Android app is developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects and is not an official Lancaster University application. Alert data is provided by Lancaster University using SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks. Learn more: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction
What's New in Version 1.97 (Updated Oct 20, 2024)
- Added abbreviations to the "About" section.
- Included Bristol and Portsmouth as additional viewing locations.
- Introduced a new optional alert notification triggered by specific value increases. Now, if a red alert occurs and the status value (nT) rises further, you'll receive an additional notification.
