Get AuroraWatch UK status alerts to warn of possible sightings
The aurora borealis (or northern lights) is a spectacular natural phenomenon which can occasionally be seen in the night sky over Britain. Once seen, it is never forgotten. Aurora Watch UK allows you to monitor geomagnetic activity and will let you know when aurora MAY be visible from the UK.
Get alerts about increases in geomagnetic activity - triggered when the AuroraWatch status level changes; this indicates the relative likelihood of viewing an aurora in the UK.
See the current alert status - see Notes.
Read last 24 hours recent history.
30 minute forecast model from SWPC.
Please email with any issues.
PLEASE NOTE:
Phone settings such as Battery Saver which limit the phone getting push notifications will narrow or even close the aurora alert window.
If you are not receiving alerts check your phone's Settings/Notifications/App settings to see that Notifications for Aurora Watch UK are not turned off.
The app does not alert historically. If your phone is off or unable to connect to the internet when the status goes up but the level goes back down before the next data update you will receive no alert.
There is a necessary delay before alerts are sent since the data needs to 'settle down' as recommended by Lancaster University.
The alerts provided by Lancaster University tend to default to their Lancaster magnetometer for alerting though they do have others; most importantly one in Shetland. Naturally there is a greater chance of seeing an Aurora in Shetland but since that data is not (usually) used alerts are a little more 'pessimistic'. This is appropriate for those of us living in England but less so for those further north.
The Aurora Watch UK (Android) app is developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects, it is not an 'Official' app.
Alerts data is provided by Lancaster University, UK using data from the SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks: Read more about this here:
http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction
What's New in the Latest Version 1.9
Last updated on Jul 2, 2024
Add an option to turn off alert notifications during the daytime.
Aurora Watch (UK)Introduction:
Aurora Watch (UK) is a mobile application developed by the Met Office, the United Kingdom's national weather service. It provides real-time aurora forecasts and alerts for the UK, helping users plan their aurora-viewing experiences.
Features:
* Aurora Forecast: The app provides up-to-date aurora forecasts for the next 24 hours and three days. These forecasts are based on the Met Office's space weather models and include information on the likelihood of seeing an aurora, its intensity, and the best time to view it.
* Alerts: Users can set up alerts to receive notifications when aurora activity is expected to be high. These alerts are sent via push notifications and email, ensuring users don't miss any potential aurora sightings.
* Viewing Guide: The app includes a comprehensive viewing guide that provides tips on how to optimize aurora viewing. It covers factors such as location, time of year, and weather conditions.
* Interactive Map: An interactive map shows the current aurora activity across the UK. Users can zoom in and out to find areas with the best viewing conditions.
* Historical Data: The app stores historical aurora data, allowing users to view past aurora events and track their frequency.
* Community Features: Users can share their aurora sightings and photos with others through the app's community features.
Benefits:
* Enhanced Aurora Viewing: The app helps users plan their aurora-viewing trips effectively by providing accurate forecasts and alerts.
* Real-Time Information: The app provides up-to-date information on aurora activity, ensuring users don't miss any potential sightings.
* Improved Understanding: The app educates users about aurora science and provides tips for optimizing their viewing experiences.
* Community Engagement: The app fosters a sense of community among aurora enthusiasts, allowing them to share their experiences and learn from others.
User Interface:
Aurora Watch (UK) has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The main screen displays the current aurora forecast and alert status. The menu provides access to the other features, including the viewing guide, interactive map, and community features.
Availability:
Aurora Watch (UK) is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion:
Aurora Watch (UK) is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in viewing the aurora in the UK. Its accurate forecasts, alerts, and comprehensive viewing guide help users plan their trips effectively and maximize their chances of witnessing this natural spectacle.
Get AuroraWatch UK status alerts to warn of possible sightings
The aurora borealis (or northern lights) is a spectacular natural phenomenon which can occasionally be seen in the night sky over Britain. Once seen, it is never forgotten. Aurora Watch UK allows you to monitor geomagnetic activity and will let you know when aurora MAY be visible from the UK.
Get alerts about increases in geomagnetic activity - triggered when the AuroraWatch status level changes; this indicates the relative likelihood of viewing an aurora in the UK.
See the current alert status - see Notes.
Read last 24 hours recent history.
30 minute forecast model from SWPC.
Please email with any issues.
PLEASE NOTE:
Phone settings such as Battery Saver which limit the phone getting push notifications will narrow or even close the aurora alert window.
If you are not receiving alerts check your phone's Settings/Notifications/App settings to see that Notifications for Aurora Watch UK are not turned off.
The app does not alert historically. If your phone is off or unable to connect to the internet when the status goes up but the level goes back down before the next data update you will receive no alert.
There is a necessary delay before alerts are sent since the data needs to 'settle down' as recommended by Lancaster University.
The alerts provided by Lancaster University tend to default to their Lancaster magnetometer for alerting though they do have others; most importantly one in Shetland. Naturally there is a greater chance of seeing an Aurora in Shetland but since that data is not (usually) used alerts are a little more 'pessimistic'. This is appropriate for those of us living in England but less so for those further north.
The Aurora Watch UK (Android) app is developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects, it is not an 'Official' app.
Alerts data is provided by Lancaster University, UK using data from the SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks: Read more about this here:
http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction
What's New in the Latest Version 1.9
Last updated on Jul 2, 2024
Add an option to turn off alert notifications during the daytime.
Aurora Watch (UK)Introduction:
Aurora Watch (UK) is a mobile application developed by the Met Office, the United Kingdom's national weather service. It provides real-time aurora forecasts and alerts for the UK, helping users plan their aurora-viewing experiences.
Features:
* Aurora Forecast: The app provides up-to-date aurora forecasts for the next 24 hours and three days. These forecasts are based on the Met Office's space weather models and include information on the likelihood of seeing an aurora, its intensity, and the best time to view it.
* Alerts: Users can set up alerts to receive notifications when aurora activity is expected to be high. These alerts are sent via push notifications and email, ensuring users don't miss any potential aurora sightings.
* Viewing Guide: The app includes a comprehensive viewing guide that provides tips on how to optimize aurora viewing. It covers factors such as location, time of year, and weather conditions.
* Interactive Map: An interactive map shows the current aurora activity across the UK. Users can zoom in and out to find areas with the best viewing conditions.
* Historical Data: The app stores historical aurora data, allowing users to view past aurora events and track their frequency.
* Community Features: Users can share their aurora sightings and photos with others through the app's community features.
Benefits:
* Enhanced Aurora Viewing: The app helps users plan their aurora-viewing trips effectively by providing accurate forecasts and alerts.
* Real-Time Information: The app provides up-to-date information on aurora activity, ensuring users don't miss any potential sightings.
* Improved Understanding: The app educates users about aurora science and provides tips for optimizing their viewing experiences.
* Community Engagement: The app fosters a sense of community among aurora enthusiasts, allowing them to share their experiences and learn from others.
User Interface:
Aurora Watch (UK) has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The main screen displays the current aurora forecast and alert status. The menu provides access to the other features, including the viewing guide, interactive map, and community features.
Availability:
Aurora Watch (UK) is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion:
Aurora Watch (UK) is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in viewing the aurora in the UK. Its accurate forecasts, alerts, and comprehensive viewing guide help users plan their trips effectively and maximize their chances of witnessing this natural spectacle.
