Aurora Watch (UK)

If you're fascinated by the mesmerizing aurora borealis and eager to catch a glimpse of this natural spectacle over the UK, AuroraWatch UK is your go-to tool. This service keeps you informed about geomagnetic activity, alerting you when there's a possibility of seeing the northern lights in the UK skies.

Stay Updated with AuroraWatch UK Alerts

• Get Alerts for Geomagnetic Activity Increases: Receive notifications when the AuroraWatch status level shifts, signaling a potential aurora sighting in the UK.
• Check Current Alert Status: Keep an eye on the current alert status. For detailed instructions, refer to the Notes section.
• Review Recent Activity: Access the history of alerts from the last 24 hours to understand recent geomagnetic activity.
• 30-Minute Forecast Model: Utilize the forecast model provided by the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to anticipate geomagnetic changes.

For any issues or inquiries, feel free to email [email protected].

Important Notes:

• AuroraWatch UK is not a forecasting tool but a monitoring service for geomagnetic activity.
• Ensure your phone settings, such as Battery Saver, do not block push notifications, as this could limit or prevent aurora alerts.
• If you're not receiving notifications, check your phone's settings under Notifications/App settings to confirm that Aurora Watch UK notifications are enabled.
• The app does not send retroactive alerts. If your device is off or lacks internet connectivity when the status changes, and the level drops before the next data update, you won't receive an alert.
• There is a deliberate delay in sending alerts to allow the data to stabilize, as advised by Lancaster University.
• Alerts primarily use data from Lancaster University's magnetometer, although other locations like Shetland are monitored. Alerts may be more conservative, especially for those in England, as Shetland data isn't typically used for alerting.

About the App:

Aurora Watch UK, an Android app developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects, is not an official app. It uses data from Lancaster University's SAMNET and AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks. For more information, visit 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 new monitoring locations.
• Introduced a new optional alert notification feature, "Triggered by value," which sends an additional notification if the status value (nT) increases during a red alert.

With AuroraWatch UK, you can enhance your chances of witnessing the unforgettable beauty of the aurora borealis right from the UK.