Aurora Watch (UK)

Stay updated on Aurora Borealis sightings with AuroraWatch UK!

Witness the breathtaking aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, a spectacular celestial event occasionally visible in the UK night sky. AuroraWatch UK provides real-time geomagnetic activity monitoring and alerts you to potential aurora viewing opportunities.

Key Features:

• Geomagnetic Activity Alerts: Receive instant notifications when geomagnetic activity increases, signifying a higher likelihood of aurora visibility in the UK. Alert triggers are based on changes in AuroraWatch status levels.

• Current Alert Status: Check the current alert level (see Notes).

• 24-Hour History: Review geomagnetic activity from the past 24 hours.

• 30-Minute Forecast: Access a 30-minute forecast model from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

• Support: Contact [email protected] for any technical issues.

Important Notes:

• Not a Forecasting App: AuroraWatch UK is not a predictive tool; it reports on current geomagnetic activity.

• Phone Settings: Ensure your phone's battery saver mode is disabled or configured to allow push notifications to receive alerts.

• Notification Settings: Verify that notifications are enabled for the AuroraWatch UK app in your phone's settings.

• Alert Delays: There's a delay in alert delivery to allow data stabilization, as recommended by Lancaster University. Alerts are not sent retrospectively.

• Location Bias: Alerts primarily utilize data from the Lancaster magnetometer. While Shetland data exists, it's not always used, leading to potentially more conservative alerts for those in England, but possibly less sensitive for those further north.

• Third-Party App: This app is developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects and is not officially affiliated with Lancaster University.

• Data Source: Alert data is provided by Lancaster University using SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks. Learn more at: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction

Version 1.97 (October 20, 2024):

• Added abbreviations to the "About" section.
• Added Bristol and Portsmouth to the list of locations.
• Introduced a new optional alert notification triggered by specific value increases. This allows for additional notifications if, for example, the status value (nT) surpasses a previous red alert level.