Comparison

Aurora Map vs Aurora Forecast Now

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

Head to head
About

Aurora Map

This app provides comprehensive aurora forecasts by considering cloud cover, light pollution, and solar activity. It offers layered maps, real-time solar data, and detailed hourly and long-term predictions to help you find the best viewing conditions.

Highlights
  • Layered aurora probability maps
  • Real-time solar wind and flare data
  • Hourly and 27-day Kp index outlook
  • North America aurora forecast maps
  • Integrated weather forecasts
  • Pro features for horizon visibility and CMEs
Features
Read full description

Observing auroras requires not only paying attention to the probability. Cloud cover, light pollution, sun height, moon height can also affect the visibility of auroras. The Aurora Map App fully considers the impact of these factors in the map and forecast part, making it a comprehensive aurora forecast assistant. The aurora map is divided into the following five parts: I、 Map: 1. Use four layers on the map to view the probability of auroras. The four layers are aurora, solar altitude, light pollution, and cloud coverage 2. Move the map to view the probability of auroras appearing above and on the horizon in various places II、 Nowcast 1. X-rays and solar flares 2. Proton flux 3. Solar wind 4. Aurora minute forecast III、 Forecast 1. Hourly Kp index and weather forecast 2. 27 day Kp index outlook IV、 Image 1. Aurora forecast map for North America tonight and tomorrow night 2. Real time image of the sun V、 Setting 【 Pro 】 1. Cloud overlay layer 2. Check the probability of auroras at the horizon of 100-1000km 3. Coronal Mass Ejections 4. 72 hour weather forecast combined with Kp index, daily and monthly forecast 5. widget available Purchase rules: [Monthly Pro]: Purchase monthly membership for $1.99 per month, with automatic monthly renewal. [Annual Pro] Purchase an annual membership for $12.99 and renew automatically each year. [Lifetime Pro] $29.99 Purchase once for lifetime use. Purchase Notice: 1. The account will be automatically renewed and corresponding fees will be deducted one day before expiration. 2. If you need to cancel the renewal, please cancel it in your personal App Store account at least 1 day in advance. 3. After purchase, users can manage or disable automatic renewal in their personal account settings. Terms of Service : https://www.astronomyobserver.net/h5/auroramap/user Privacy Policy: https://www.astronomyobserver.net/h5/auroramap/privacy

About

Aurora Forecast Now

Get personalized aurora visibility forecasts for any location worldwide. This app analyzes geomagnetic activity and local light conditions to tell you if the Northern Lights are visible right now or in the future. Premium features include a three-day advance forecast and historical geomagnetic data.

Highlights
  • Real-time aurora visibility for any location
  • Adjusts for local light conditions
  • Customized geomagnetic activity data
  • Three-day advance forecast (premium)
  • Hourly geomagnetic forecasts (premium)
  • Historical geomagnetic data
  • Rarity rating for geomagnetic activity
Features
Read full description

The only aurora app that will let you know whether you can see the aurora from wherever you are - or from any location you choose - at sea or on land - anywhere in the world. I wrote this app because I was disappointed that current aurora apps were not customised to match where I was right now. This is not just a summary of worldwide auroras, this is an aurora report customised for each location, including yours. • This app will tell you if the aurora is visible from your location - or any other you select - right now. • This app adjusts if your location skies may be too light - adjusts automatically for extreme locations in the North or South polar regions where the sun may not rise or set. This app warns you if the light may result in less than optimal viewing. • Adjusts viewing data for yours or any location you select based on the current strength of geomagnetic activity. • Premium users get a three day advance forecast as to whether the aurora is likely to be viewable at the selected location. • Premium users get three hourly future forecasts of geomagnetic activity. • Premium users get to see a graph of peaks and troughs of the 11 year geomagnetic cycle and where we are currently. • See Historic geomagnetic data for the last week and the peaks and troughs graphed for each day. • This app gives you a rarity rating so you know if the geomagnetic activity is higher than normal. I wrote this app for myself, and I am pleased to make it available to you as well. I’ve designed this app to be both educational and practical. I’ve learned a lot writing it and I hope you enjoy it too. Terms of Use : https://fascinatingprojects.com.au/termsaurora/

Screenshots

Aurora Map4 screens
Aurora Forecast Now4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Aurora Map at 16.0 against Aurora Forecast Now's 18.0. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Aurora Map sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Aurora Forecast Now sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Aurora Map holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 6 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora Map ships an update every 3 weeks, Aurora Forecast Now monthly. Both last shipped on November 8, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Aurora Map versus Aurora Forecast Now: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora MapAurora Forecast Now
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (8 ratings) — better4.8 (6 ratings)
Number of ratings8 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB33 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer雪平 王Fascinating Projects

Customer experience

Aurora Map

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Aurora Forecast Now

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Aurora Map

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro$11.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$29.99
2 purchases

Aurora Forecast Now

Subscriptions2
  • Aurora Weekly Subscription$4.997 Days
  • Aurora Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Aurora Map free?
Aurora Map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aurora Forecast Now free?
Aurora Forecast Now is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Aurora Map or Aurora Forecast Now?
Aurora Map is rated higher. Aurora Map averages 5.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Aurora Forecast Now averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.
Do Aurora Map or Aurora Forecast Now have ads?
Neither Aurora Map nor Aurora Forecast Now shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Aurora Map or Aurora Forecast Now?
Aurora Map ships an update every 3 weeks, and Aurora Forecast Now monthly. Most recently, Aurora Map was updated on November 8, 2026 and Aurora Forecast Now on November 8, 2026.

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