Comparison

Astrospheric vs Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Astrospheric

This app offers advanced weather forecasting and astronomical data for stargazers and astrophotographers. It provides detailed hourly forecasts, cloud and sky transparency reports, and alerts for celestial events. It also includes tools for astronomical societies and offline site setup.

Highlights
  • 84-hour hourly weather forecast
  • Ensemble cloud forecast
  • Kp index for Aurora
  • ISS flyover paths
  • Integrated smoke forecast
  • Sky and ground data
  • Rise and set times
  • Solar and Lunar eclipse data
Features
Read full description

Astrospheric provides advanced weather tools for professional astronomers and astrophotographers, and supports hundreds of astronomical societies with tools that help members stay connected. Are you using what the pros use? Features • 84 hour, hour-by-hour forecast • Free notification reminders for major astronomical events, customized for your location • Ensemble cloud forecast lets you quickly compare the major forecast models with hourly updates (Astrospheric Pro) • Extended cloud forecast • Kp index for Aurora viewing (and alerts with Pro) • International Space Station (ISS) flyover paths and times • Astrospheric is the only astronomy service that integrates the smoke forecast into the transparency report • Sky data: cloud, sky transparency, seeing • Ground data: wind, temperature, and humidity • Precise rise and set times for both the sun and moon • Get weather alerts when conditions meeting your requirements are met (Astrospheric Pro) • Details Solar and Lunar eclipse data Astronomical Societies • Stay connected with chat, image sharing, and event planning with all of your members. • Qualifying astronomical societies can get Pro features for all of their members Site Mode • Information necessary to quickly set up your GOTO tracking mount • Available even if you don’t have a network connection Astrospheric Professional is now available to enable Weather Alerts, Ensemble cloud forecast, and more! • Astrospheric Professional is billed monthly or yearly and will auto-renew unless turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current subscription period. The renewal cost will be the same as the initial sign-up cost of the subscription. Any changes in cost will be communicated before renewal takes place. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscriptions may be managed by you and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the your Account Settings after purchase. A link to these settings is made available within Astrospheric "My Profile" for easy access. • The terms of use and privacy policy may be found at https://www.astrospheric.com/privacypolicy.php, purchasing a subscription shows agreement to these terms. PLEASE NOTE: Weather data is not available for Hawaii due to the domain area covered by the Canadian Meteorological Center. However, satellite and light pollution map layers, as well as other features will work in Hawaii. More information on Astrospherics forecast domain can be found here: https://www.astrospheric.com/dynamiccontent/datadomain.html

About

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Track and predict the Northern Lights with detailed forecasts and customizable alerts. Explore interactive maps, view solar wind data, and access educational resources to enhance your aurora viewing experience.

Highlights
  • Interactive Aurora Forecast Map
  • Customizable Kp Index Push Notifications
  • Solar Wind, Density, Bz, Bt Data
  • 30-minute Geomagnetic Power Forecast
  • 3-day and 27-day Space Weather Forecasts
  • SWPC Alerts, Watches & Warnings
  • Educational Viewing Tips
Features
Read full description

The best Aurora Forecast app for iOS. Main Features Include: + Interactive Aurora Forecast Map + Customizable Kp Index Push Notifications + Solar Wind, Density, Bz, Bt + 30-minute Geomagnetic Power Forecast + 3-day Space Weather Forecast + 27-day Space Weather Forecast + SWPC Alerts, Watches & Warnings + Short Term Forecast Model Graphics + Experimental Aurora Forecast Graphics + Educational Resources -- Interactive Aurora Forecast Map -- Tap anywhere on the map for a 30-minute, spot specific aurora visibility forecast. This data is customizable and updates every 5 minutes. -- Push Notifications -- Get notified when aurora visibility atmospheric conditions are forecasted to be favorable. Alerts can be customized by Kp Index. Currently there are 3 types of Push Notifications: Daily, Weeky, and SWPC Warnings & Alerts. -- Short Term Aurora Forecast -- + Hemispheric Power Index + Ovation Prime Forecast Model Graphics + General Space Weather Discussion -- 3-day Aurora Forecast -- + Middle & Upper Latitude K-index Forecast + Probability of Geomagnetic Conditions + Solar Radiation Storm Forecast Probability + Radio Blackout Activity & Forecast + Polar Cap Absorption Forecast + Whole Disk Flare Probability + Region Flare Probabilities + Solar Flux -- 27-day Aurora Forecast -- + Forecast Highlights Discussion + SWPC Alert Details + Kp Index + Ap Index + Radio Flux -- Educational Resources -- + Tips on Viewing the Aurora + Aurora Visibility: How Far South/North Can Aurora Be Observed? TERMS & CONDITIONS https://lwbrandsllc.com/aurora-forecast-app-terms-conditions/

Screenshots

Astrospheric4 screens
Aurora Forecast & Alerts4 screens

Verdict

The call

Astrospheric and Aurora Forecast & Alerts both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 87% of Astrospheric's written reviews are positive against 51% of Aurora Forecast & Alerts's. Astrospheric also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). Aurora Forecast & Alerts's advantage is ratings volume (2.9K vs 484). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Astrospheric sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Aurora Forecast & Alerts sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Astrospheric holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Aurora Forecast & Alerts has 2.9K ratings behind it against 484, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of Astrospheric's written reviews are positive against 51% of Aurora Forecast & Alerts's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Astrospheric ships an update every 2 weeks, Aurora Forecast & Alerts every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Astrospheric versus Aurora Forecast & Alerts: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAstrosphericAurora Forecast & Alerts
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (484 ratings) — better4.6 (2.9K ratings)
Positive reviews86.8% of reviews — better51.2% of reviews
Number of ratings4842.9K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#82 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB13 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperDaniel FiordalisLW Brands, LLC

Customer experience

Astrospheric

All ratings481 ratings
Positive94.4%
Neutral1.9%
Negative3.7%
Written reviews151 reviews
Positive86.8%
Neutral5.3%
Negative7.9%

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

All ratings2,925 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral5.1%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews41 reviews
Positive51.2%
Neutral7.3%
Negative41.5%

User reviews

Astrospheric

From 484 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Precision tool for astrophotography
  • 🔍 Detailed weather forecasts
  • ⭐ Accurate and reliable
  • 💻 Comprehensive data and features
  • 📊 Helpful for planning observing sessions

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional inaccurate forecasts
  • 🔍 Missing some weather data (e.g. wind)
  • 💰 Subscription required for full functionality
  • 🔌 Compatibility issues on some devices

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

From 2.9K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Great app and quick responses
  • 👍 Accurate and timely notifications
  • 👍 Intuitive displays for casual and advanced users
  • 👍 Helpful in remote locations like Alaska
  • 👍 Useful for capturing beautiful photos

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashing when opening the app
  • 🐛 Map not updating
  • 🐛 App quitting with no reason
  • 🔍 Too technical for casual users
  • 💰 Too many ads and annoying pop-ups

Bugs and requests

Astrospheric

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • App crashing or not loading on some devices
  • Inconsistent temperature and wind data

Requested features

4 requests
  • Notification system for clear skies
  • Widgets for quick access to data
  • More detailed transparency and seeing data
  • Ability to flip east and west in the app

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Sending false warnings for Aurora sightings
  • Malware ads appearing

Requested features

2 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Ability to customize notification frequency

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Astrospheric

Subscriptions2
  • Astrospheric Pro Subscription7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Astrospheric Pro Subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Year
1 purchases

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Subscriptions1
  • Aurora Subscription$4.991 Year

Questions

Is Astrospheric free?
Astrospheric is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aurora Forecast & Alerts free?
Aurora Forecast & Alerts is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Astrospheric or Aurora Forecast & Alerts?
Astrospheric is rated higher. Astrospheric averages 4.8 out of 5 from 484 ratings, while Aurora Forecast & Alerts averages 4.6 from 2.9K ratings.
Do Astrospheric or Aurora Forecast & Alerts have ads?
Aurora Forecast & Alerts shows ads; Astrospheric does not.
Which is updated more often, Astrospheric or Aurora Forecast & Alerts?
Astrospheric ships an update every 2 weeks, and Aurora Forecast & Alerts every 2 months. Most recently, Astrospheric was updated on November 6, 2026 and Aurora Forecast & Alerts on November 7, 2026.

Other comparisons