Aurora Now - Northern Lights icon
Aurora Now: Comprehensive Northern Lights Forecasting and Alert System

by VNIL AB

โ˜…4.5
ANDROIDWeather
Aurora Now provides real-time northern lights forecasting with location-based predictions and customizable alerts. The app serves both amateur enthusiasts and professional photographers seeking reliable aurora visibility data.

Detailed Review

Aurora Now - Northern Lights by VNIL AB represents a specialized meteorological application designed specifically for aurora borealis prediction and observation. The application occupies a distinct niche within weather forecasting tools by focusing exclusively on celestial light phenomena, leveraging real-time data streams from multiple scientific sources to deliver accurate visibility predictions. The application's core functionality centers on its sophisticated forecasting engine, which processes geomagnetic activity data, cloud coverage patterns, and atmospheric conditions to generate location-specific aurora probability percentages. Users can access detailed KP index readings, real-time magnetometer data, and cloud cover maps through an integrated dashboard. The notification system allows for customizable alert thresholds based on KP index values, moon phase considerations, and local weather conditions, enabling precise planning for optimal viewing opportunities. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with intuitive data visualization including color-coded probability maps, simplified explanatory text for complex meteorological concepts, and seamless integration of multiple data layers. The interface prioritizes accessibility for novice users while maintaining depth for experienced aurora chasers. Real-world usage patterns show peak engagement during geomagnetic storms, with users typically checking forecasts multiple times daily and relying heavily on push notifications for spontaneous viewing opportunities. User feedback consistently praises the application's accuracy and educational value. Rob Mrowka (August 12, 2024) reported successful aurora photography following a KP 7 alert, while Kelly Walters (October 12, 2024) credited the app with enabling two successful photography sessions through timely notifications and light pollution mapping. Krista Charles (March 26, 2025) specifically noted the application's superior data interpretation compared to competitors, eliminating the need for external research. The application demonstrates notable strengths in data accuracy and user education, though limitations include dependency on external data sources and potential notification delays during severe space weather events. Ideal use cases involve mid-latitude aurora chasing where prediction complexity increases, and photographic expeditions requiring precise timing and location planning.

Key Features

  • โ€ขReal-time KP index forecasting with location-specific probability percentages enabling precise aurora viewing planning
  • โ€ขCustomizable push notifications based on user-defined KP thresholds and weather conditions for optimal alert timing
  • โ€ขLight pollution mapping with recommended dark sky locations to maximize visual observation quality
  • โ€ขEducational explanations of complex space weather data presented in accessible language for all user levels
  • โ€ขIntegrated cloud cover and moon phase data layers that affect visibility conditions for comprehensive planning
  • โ€ขOffline capability for stored forecasts and maps ensuring functionality in remote viewing locations

Why Users Love It

Accurate real-time forecasting
Educational data interpretation

Perfect for: Aurora enthusiasts and night sky photographers seeking reliable predictions

Screenshots

Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 1Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 2Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 3Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 4Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 5Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 6

User Reviews

Rob Mrowka
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Aug 12, 2024

Wow! I just installed this app and soon after I received an aurora alert and was able to see and photograph auroras from down our road! I had set my alert for a kp 7 and the app said that there was a 41% chance for an observation.

Kelly Walters
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Oct 12, 2024

This app helped me find a location and nail some epic aurora pictures twice! I had not seen it before prior to using this app because I always went outside too late or it would cloud up just as I went out there. Now I get timely alerts and I can choose the best places to go away from city lights. Thank you!

Krista Charles
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Mar 26, 2025

I have subscribed to several aurora tracking apps and I appreciate the aspects this app has in comparison. Such as providing helpful, easy to understand interpretations of real time data and images that it provides. This makes it very user-friendly and as a novice, no Google searches were necessary. The live sighting map feature is very well done in comparison to other apps. Also, being able to see real-time footage around the globe from stationed webcams is just another added bonus!

David French
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May 19, 2024

Superb info WITHOUT annoying Ads. All the data I need in well presented charts and graphs. Free to use providing you do not want notifications as to when your location is expected for possible sightings. I hope they keep this App as it is!....

Barbara Schulte
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Sep 16, 2024

My new favorite Aurora app! All the information I want with easy to understand explanations for each measurement. Kudos and thank you!

App Details

Developer

VNIL AB

Platform

android

Rating

โ˜…4.5

Last Updated

9/7/2025