Aurora Watch (UK) APK

Aurora Watch (UK)

Overview

• Aurora Watch UK is a service designed to help people in Britain monitor the possibility of seeing the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.

• This beautiful and rare atmospheric phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field, creating vivid displays of light in the night sky.

• While the aurora is more common in regions closer to the poles, it can occasionally be visible from the UK, especially in northern areas.

• The experience is unforgettable for those fortunate enough to witness it.

Key Features

• Geomagnetic Activity Monitoring: Tracks changes in geomagnetic activity that may indicate aurora visibility.

• Alerts: Notifications are sent when the AuroraWatch status changes, showing the likelihood of seeing an aurora from the UK.

• Current Status: View the live alert level at any time.

• Recent History: Review the past 24 hours of activity to see trends.

• Forecast Model: Access a 30-minute prediction from the SWPC (Space Weather Prediction Center).

*Important Notes

• Aurora Watch UK is not a forecasting app; it reports based on current geomagnetic conditions.

• Phone settings such as Battery Saver can block push notifications, reducing or eliminating timely alerts.

• Ensure notifications for Aurora Watch UK are enabled in your device’s settings.

• Alerts are not sent retroactively—if your phone is offline or disconnected during an alert, you will miss it.

• There is a short delay before alerts are issued to ensure data accuracy, following Lancaster University’s recommendations.

• Alert data defaults to readings from the Lancaster magnetometer, though other stations exist, such as in Shetland. This means alerts may be slightly conservative for northern areas.

Developer & Data Sources

• Developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects (Android platform).

• Not an official app but uses data provided by Lancaster University, UK.

• Data comes from the SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks.

• More information can be found at: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction

FAQ

Q: How are the alert levels determined?

A: Alert levels are based on real-time readings from a network of ground-based magnetometers, primarily at Lancaster University. Whenever geomagnetic activity crosses certain thresholds, the system adjusts its watch status to reflect the rising likelihood of an auroral display visible in the UK.

Q: If I get an alert, am I guaranteed to see the northern lights?

A: Unfortunately, no system can offer a 100 percent guarantee. An Aurora Watch alert means geomagnetic conditions are favorable, but cloud cover, light pollution and the precise local strength of the display all influence your chances. Clear, dark skies and a view to the northern horizon significantly improve your odds.

Q: What do the different watch levels mean?

A: The service usually cycles through levels from ‘Low’ to ‘High’, each indicating progressively stronger geomagnetic activity. A ‘Moderate’ status suggests you should start looking north just after dusk, while a ‘High’ alert means any adventurous sky-watchers in clear northern locations have a very good shot at spotting green or even crimson ribbons overhead.

Version History

v2.01——14 Jan 2026

Get AuroraWatch UK status alerts to warn of possible sightings Download the latest version of Aurora Watch (UK) to enjoy new features and updates immediately!

*2.01

Make compatible with Android 16.

Fix clickable Settings Notes.

*2.00

Internal changes suggested by Google.

Add more (higher) alert thresholds so that locations such as the south of England can choose not to be alerted by 'just' status Red (200nT).

*1.99

Internal changes suggested by Google. If you find any issues with the screen layout please email developers@smallbouldering.com