Aurora Watch (UK)

Receive AuroraWatch UK status alerts for potential aurora sightings.

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a spectacular natural phenomenon sometimes visible in Britain's night sky. It's an unforgettable experience. AuroraWatch UK helps you monitor geomagnetic activity and notifies you when the aurora might be visible from the UK.

Get alerts for increased geomagnetic activity—triggered when AuroraWatch status levels change, indicating a higher chance of seeing the aurora from the UK.

Check the current alert status—see Notes.

View activity history from the last 24 hours.

30-minute forecast model from SWPC.

For issues, contact [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE:

Aurora Watch is NOT a forecasting app.

Phone settings like Battery Saver that limit push notifications can reduce or close the aurora alert window.

If you're not receiving alerts, check your phone's Settings/Notifications/App settings to ensure Aurora Watch UK notifications are enabled.

The app does not send historical alerts. If your phone is off or offline during a status increase and the level drops before the next update, you won't receive an alert.

Alerts are delayed as data must 'settle down', following Lancaster University recommendations.

Lancaster University's alerts primarily use their Lancaster magnetometer, though others like Shetland are available. Shetland has a higher aurora likelihood, but since its data isn't usually used, alerts are more 'pessimistic'. This suits England residents better than those further north.

The Aurora Watch UK (Android) app is developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects and is not an 'Official' app.

Alerts data comes from Lancaster University, UK, using SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks: Learn more here:

http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction

What's New in Version 1.97

Last updated on Oct 20, 2024

Added abbreviations to About.
Included Bristol and Portsmouth in locations.
Added new optional Alert Notification "Triggered by value" for additional notifications when status values (nT) rise further, such as after a red alert.