# AuroraWatch UK Aurora Alerts — Aurora Borealis Alerts

> UK aurora borealis alerts and real-time geomagnetic activity monitoring. (iPhone/iPad app by Progress Concepts Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurorawatch-uk-aurora-alerts/id946141347 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Progress Concepts Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/788761727)
- Category: Weather, Photo & Video
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 351 App Store ratings · 238 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 33 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-01-18
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurorawatch-uk-aurora-alerts/id946141347/reviews.md

## What is 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)

## Key features

- Real-time aurora sighting alerts
- Geomagnetic activity monitoring
- Aurora likelihood indicator
- Last 24-hour activity chart
- Live aurora and cloud cover map
- Shetland Cliff Cam
- Widget and Watch app support

## What do users think of AuroraWatch UK Aurora Alerts?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Accurate alerts and notifications
- 🌟 Reliable and helpful app
- 🔍 Useful information and data
- 🎥 Enjoyable live camera feeds
- 🤩 Exciting to see the aurora
- 🌍 Covers UK and beyond

**Cons**

- 🕰️ Delayed notifications
- 🌤️ Alerts during daylight hours
- 🌫️ Inaccurate cloud cover information
- 🔍 Unclear alert thresholds
- 🌍 Limited geographical coverage

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Notifications not working
- Inconsistent alert levels

**Most requested features**

- Customizable alert settings
- Forecast and prediction features
- Improved cloud cover data
- Expanded geographical coverage

## Recent user reviews (10 of 238)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurorawatch-uk-aurora-alerts/id946141347/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Reliable and excellent alert system

*2026-08-28, version 2.15.2*

Excellent app which is very reliable

### 5/5 — Handy app

*2026-08-18, version 2.15.1*

Useful to gauge Aurora

### 5/5 — The best

*2026-07-29, version 2.14.4*

A while ago, I made review about a bug. Shortly after making the review, a developer replied to the comment and explained the reason and cause for the bug. Absolutely amazing customer support and excellently accurate app as well.

### 2/5 — No alerts

*2026-07-04, version 2.14.4*

The information I get is historical. About what has happened . I’d like an app that predicts that in a few hours there will be a visible aurora.

### 4/5 — Removed most useful function

*2026-06-16, version 2.14.4*

Original Comment: They’ve removed the cloud cover option on the map so this is no longer useful
After Developer Response: This is so frustrating - here in the UK this MetOffice data should be more freely available especially for apps like this.  So inaccurate to say ‘they’ve removed the feature’ it’s clearly not viable to provide it now which is not the developers fault. Thanks for the explanation review star rating put up from an incredibly frustrated 1 to an empathetic 4

### 5/5 — Love it

*2026-05-29, version 2.14.4*

Love watching the webcam

### 3/5 — Map

*2026-05-15, version 2.14.4*

Where has the weather overlay gone from the map

### 5/5 — Honest App

*2026-05-15, version 2.14.4*

I’ve been using this app for years …. It’s good BUT why has my cloud cover gone from the map ?

### 5/5 — Malcolm Cockrill

*2026-05-07, version 2.14.4*

Excellent App ✔️

### 1/5 — Not alerting

*2026-04-04, version 2.14.2*

Not alerting when other apps do (Northern Scotland).

## Frequently asked questions about AuroraWatch UK Aurora Alerts

### What does AuroraWatch UK do?

AuroraWatch UK provides real-time alerts when the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, may be visible from the UK. It is run by scientists and offers data directly to your device, allowing you to monitor geomagnetic activity and the likelihood of seeing the aurora.

### What are the key features of the app?

Key features include receiving real-time alerts for likely sightings, monitoring UK geomagnetic activity, checking the probability of seeing the aurora, viewing a 24-hour activity chart, and accessing a map with current aurora and cloud cover. It also offers a Shetland Cliff Cam and widget support for quick access.

### Is AuroraWatch UK free to use?

Yes, AuroraWatch UK is a free service. The app provides all its features and real-time alerts without any cost to the user. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

### What devices is AuroraWatch UK compatible with?

The app is available for iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It also supports Siri shortcuts, which can be used with devices like HomePod to get the latest status updates.

### How can I use AuroraWatch UK to see the Northern Lights?

You can use AuroraWatch UK to see the Northern Lights by enabling real-time alerts, which notify you when sightings are likely. The app also allows you to monitor geomagnetic activity and check the probability of visibility, helping you decide when and where to look out for the aurora.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.15.2 — 2026-08-26

- Background update.

Previously:
- Re-enabled the cloud cover map overlay, now powered by Met Office data.
- Also includes behind-the-scenes improvements to reliability, shortcuts and compatibility.

### 2.15.1 — 2026-08-14

- Improved map view.

Previously:
- Re-enabled the cloud cover map overlay, now powered by Met Office data.
- Also includes behind-the-scenes improvements to reliability, shortcuts and compatibility.

### 2.15.0 — 2026-08-11

- Re-enabled the cloud cover map overlay, now powered by Met Office data.
- Also includes behind-the-scenes improvements to reliability, shortcuts and compatibility.

### 2.14.4 — 2026-04-18

- Background update.

### 2.14.3 — 2026-04-08

- Minor update.
- Temporarily removed cloud overlay whilst Met Office systems are changing.

## Apps similar to AuroraWatch UK Aurora Alerts

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [SpaceWeatherLive](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spaceweatherlive/id1435501021) | 4.0 (189) | Free | Weather |
| [Lumyros](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lumyros/id1536720948) | 2.0 (4) | Free | Weather |
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| [My Aurora Forecast Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-aurora-forecast-pro/id1075462280) | 4.8 (2,887) | $3.99 | Weather |
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| [My Tide Times - Tables & Chart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-tide-times-tables-and-chart/id777280890) | 4.8 (17,042) | Free | Weather |

## More apps by Progress Concepts Limited

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All apps by Progress Concepts Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/788761727

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-01.*