Aurora Watch (UK)

Stay updated on Aurora Borealis sightings in the UK with AuroraWatch UK!

Witnessing the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) over Britain is a breathtaking experience. AuroraWatch UK helps you track geomagnetic activity and receive alerts about potential aurora sightings.

Key Features:

• Geomagnetic Activity Alerts: Receive push notifications when the AuroraWatch status level changes, indicating a higher likelihood of aurora visibility in the UK. Note that this is not a prediction but an indicator of increased possibility.
• Real-time Status: Check the current alert status (see Notes below).
• Recent History: View geomagnetic activity over the past 24 hours.
• 30-Minute Forecast: Access a 30-minute forecast model provided by the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

Important Notes:

• Not a Forecasting App: AuroraWatch UK is an alert system, not a precise forecasting tool.
• Phone Settings: Ensure your phone's battery saver mode isn't blocking push notifications. Check your phone's notification settings to confirm that AuroraWatch UK is allowed to send alerts.
• Alert Delays: A delay exists before alerts are sent to allow the data to stabilize, as recommended by Lancaster University. Alerts may be missed if your phone is off or lacks internet connectivity during a brief period of heightened activity.
• Location Considerations: Alerts primarily use data from a Lancaster magnetometer. While Shetland data is also available, it's not always used, leading to more conservative alerts for those in England. Northern observers may experience less frequent alerts.
• Developed by Smallbouldering Projects: This app is independently developed and maintained; it's not officially affiliated with Lancaster University. Alert data is provided by Lancaster University, utilizing SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks. Learn more: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction

Version 1.97 (October 20, 2024):

This update includes:

• 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. You can now receive additional notifications if the nT value surpasses a previous red alert threshold.