AuroraWatch UK Aurora Alerts

AuroraWatch UK provides real-time alerts when the northern lights may be visible from the UK, based on ground magnetometer measurements from a scientific monitoring network across the country.

The aurora borealis (northern lights) is a spectacular natural phenomenon that can occasionally be seen in the night sky over the United Kingdom. Once seen, it is never forgotten.

AuroraWatch UK is a free service that alerts you when geomagnetic activity becomes strong enough that the aurora may be visible from the UK.

The service is run by scientists in the Space and Planetary Physics group at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics. It is based on measurements from a network of magnetometers across the UK that monitor disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by auroral activity.

The AuroraWatch UK app for iOS is written, run and maintained by Neil Morton at Progress Concepts Limited, in association with AuroraWatch UK. The app gives you the latest data directly on your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and delivers real-time alerts when aurora may be visible from the UK.

Magnetometer data from the UK network is processed approximately every three minutes. Alerts are issued automatically when geomagnetic activity reaches levels where aurora sightings become possible.

AuroraWatch UK focuses on real-time geomagnetic measurements rather than space weather forecasts. Forecast tools can sometimes indicate possible activity in advance, while AuroraWatch alerts when magnetic disturbances are actually occurring.

Aurora activity does not guarantee a visible display at every location. Visibility depends on factors such as cloud cover, light pollution, local horizon conditions and the strength of the geomagnetic disturbance.

Alerts are configurable within the app to different levels, so you will know when to look out for aurora wherever you are.

Features

• Receive real-time alerts direct to your device when aurora may be visible
• Monitor UK geomagnetic activity in real time
• See the current aurora activity level
• View the last 24-hour geomagnetic activity chart
• View map with current aurora probability and cloud cover
• View the Shetland Cliff Cam for possible aurora sightings
• Home Screen widgets for quick access to current activity
• Apple Watch app with complications
• Siri Shortcuts support for retrieving the latest status (including HomePod)