AuroraWatch UK provides real-time status alerts to notify users of potential aurora borealis (northern lights) sightings across the United Kingdom. This stunning natural display, when visible, creates unforgettable memories for those who witness it. With AuroraWatch UK, you can monitor geomagnetic activity and receive timely updates on when the aurora may be visible in your area.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Alerts — Receive push notifications whenever there's a change in the AuroraWatch status level, indicating increased chances of aurora visibility.
• Current Alert Status — View the latest alert level at a glance. See Notes section for additional details.
• Recent Activity History — Access the last 24 hours of geomagnetic activity data to track trends.
• 30-Minute Forecast Model — Utilize solar wind data from the SWPC (Space Weather Prediction Center) for near-future activity predictions.

For any issues or feedback, please email: [[email protected]]

Important Notes:

• Aurora Watch UK is not a forecasting app, but rather a real-time monitoring service based on geomagnetic activity levels.
• Push Notification Restrictions — Be aware that phone settings such as Battery Saver modes may restrict push notifications, potentially reducing or blocking alert delivery.
• Notification Settings — If you're not receiving alerts, ensure that Notifications for Aurora Watch UK are enabled in your device’s Settings > Notifications > App settings.
• No Historical Alerts — The app does not send alerts retroactively. If your device was offline or disconnected during a status increase that returns to normal before the next update, no alert will be sent.
• Data Delay Policy — Alerts are delayed slightly to allow data to stabilize, following best practices recommended by Lancaster University.
• Sensor Location Bias — While Lancaster University operates multiple magnetometers, including one in Shetland, the system primarily uses data from the Lancaster sensor. This makes alerts more conservative for southern UK regions like England, while northern viewers may experience more favorable conditions than indicated.
• App Development — The Aurora Watch UK Android app is independently developed and maintained by Smallbouldering Projects and is not officially affiliated with Lancaster University.
• Data Source — Alert data is provided by Lancaster University using readings from the SAMNET and/or AuroraWatchNet magnetometer networks. Learn more about the science behind the alerts here:
  http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/introduction

What's New – Version 1.97 (Updated October 20, 2024):

• Added abbreviations to the About section for clarity.
• Added Bristol and Portsmouth to the list of supported locations.
• Introduced a new optional alert notification setting: "Triggered by value" — allowing users to receive follow-up alerts if geomagnetic activity increases further after a high-level event (e.g., a Red alert followed by an even higher nT reading).