Aurora Forecast. icon
Aurora Forecast App Review: Comprehensive Analysis for Northern Lights Enthusiasts

by TINAC Inc.

4.6
IOSWeather
Aurora Forecast provides real-time aurora predictions and geomagnetic activity data for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The app delivers 30-minute forecasts and alerts to optimize viewing opportunities during celestial events.

Detailed Review

Aurora Forecast by TINAC Inc. serves as a specialized meteorological tool designed specifically for predicting and tracking Northern Lights activity. The application occupies a distinct niche within weather forecasting apps by focusing exclusively on auroral phenomena, leveraging scientific data from reputable sources including the Space Weather Prediction Center's Ovation model. This specialized approach positions it as a serious tool for both amateur aurora chasers and professional photographers seeking reliable predictions. The application's core functionality revolves around three primary features: the SWPC Ovation 30-minute forecast system providing near-real-time aurora probability maps, geomagnetic activity probability indicators that track solar storm impacts, and location-based auroral prediction algorithms. These features combine to create a comprehensive forecasting system that analyzes solar wind data, KP indices, and cloud coverage to determine optimal viewing conditions. The app incorporates push notifications that alert users when auroral activity reaches detectable levels in their geographic area, though some users note limitations in customizing alert timing preferences. User experience demonstrates a clean, data-focused interface prioritizing scientific information over decorative elements. The design presents complex space weather data through color-coded maps and probability percentages, making potentially overwhelming scientific concepts accessible to non-experts. Real-world usage patterns indicate most users engage with the app during evening hours and particularly during periods of heightened solar activity, with many users reporting successful aurora sightings following app notifications during major geomagnetic events. User feedback trends consistently highlight the app's accuracy and reliability, with multiple reviews specifically noting successful predictions during significant solar storms. Reviewer Fish4332 (May 12, 2024) reported receiving alerts before major media coverage of the April 2023 event, while atx-adam (November 28, 2024) credited the app as the only successful predictor during an Iceland trip. Several users including Erich_M (July 31, 2024) have requested more customizable alert timing options, suggesting development opportunities for future updates. The application demonstrates particular strength in its scientific accuracy and timely notifications, though some users might find the interface overly technical compared to more casual astronomy apps. Its primary limitation appears in alert customization options, particularly regarding time-based notification settings. The app proves most valuable for serious aurora enthusiasts planning dedicated viewing expeditions rather than casual observers seeking occasional notifications, with the subscription model providing additional advanced features for dedicated users.

Key Features

  • SWPC Ovation 30-minute forecast provides near-real-time aurora probability mapping based on scientific space weather data
  • Geomagnetic activity probabilities track solar storm impacts and magnetic field disturbances affecting auroral visibility
  • Location-based auroral predictions calculate viewing likelihood using GPS coordinates and current space weather conditions
  • Push notification system alerts users when auroral activity reaches detectable levels in their geographic area
  • Scientific data visualization presents complex space weather information through accessible color-coded maps and graphs

Why Users Love It

Highly accurate predictions
Timely alert notifications

Perfect for: Northern Lights enthusiasts and astrophotographers seeking reliable aurora forecasts

Screenshots

Aurora Forecast. screenshot 1Aurora Forecast. screenshot 2Aurora Forecast. screenshot 3Aurora Forecast. screenshot 4Aurora Forecast. screenshot 5Aurora Forecast. screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Aurora Forecast.'s performance in Weather over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#42

16 from last week

Best Rank

#16

All-time high

Average Rank

#31

30-day average

User Reviews

atx-adam
Nov 28, 2024

This was the only app that successfully alerted us to northern light activity on our Nov 2024 trip to Iceland. Every time it sent a notification, we went outside and were able to capture some activity. None of the other apps did. Worth every penny for the subscription! Works This was the only app that successfully alerted us to northern light activity on our Nov 2024 trip to Iceland. Every time it sent a notification, we went outside and were able to capture some activity. None of the other apps did. Worth every penny for the subscription!

Nanc0328
May 11, 2024

It really is very accurate and quick to update Great App It really is very accurate and quick to update

Fish4332
May 12, 2024

I’ve had this app for some time now. I think I downloaded it after the April 2023 event but bc I had this app I knew the aurora was coming a little b4 it was all over the TV. I don’t have the paid version and then BOOM HUGE SOMAR STORM hits and people in places that should never get to see the northern lights got to see them!! For me in the arm pit of the US(NJ) it was cloudy all the night but I was able to coordinate going outside with breaks in the clouds thanks to this app. I probably shoulda upgraded to the paid version bc fake god knows what I missed. It saved me from staying up all night the following night bc I could see that the aurora never made it lower than the Hudson Bay while it was dark near me so I just put the camera out and went to sleep!! You never know when these storms will hit but having juuuuust a little more info about it than the average person is definitely worth the download and dang it I wish I upgraded during the 5/2024 event…. Oh well I hope I’m alive the next time we get a G5 solar storm AND THAT ITS CLEAR but if I am ill have this app handy! It was fun to see 3% chance for aurora in your area and it was right!! Couldn’t see with the naked eye but the time lapse video will be burned into my memory forever! And if I ever decide to travel and see the lights I would ABSOLUTELY upgrade and pay for the service. I never review apps but felt I wanted to thank the developers of this app bc I really had a lot of use for it bc of the weather in my area!! Thank you!! FINALLY!!!!! I’ve had this app for some time now. I think I downloaded it after the April 2023 event but bc I had this app I knew the aurora was coming a little b4 it was all over the TV. I don’t have the paid version and then BOOM HUGE SOMAR STORM hits and people in places that should never get to see the northern lights got to see them!! For me in the arm pit of the US(NJ) it was cloudy all the night but I was able to coordinate going outside with breaks in the clouds thanks to this app. I probably shoulda upgraded to the paid version bc fake god knows what I missed. It saved me from staying up all night the following night bc I could see that the aurora never made it lower than the Hudson Bay while it was dark near me so I just put the camera out and went to sleep!! You never know when these storms will hit but having juuuuust a little more info about it than the average person is definitely worth the download and dang it I wish I upgraded during the 5/2024 event…. Oh well I hope I’m alive the next time we get a G5 solar storm AND THAT ITS CLEAR but if I am ill have this app handy! It was fun to see 3% chance for aurora in your area and it was right!! Couldn’t see with the naked eye but the time lapse video will be burned into my memory forever! And if I ever decide to travel and see the lights I would ABSOLUTELY upgrade and pay for the service. I never review apps but felt I wanted to thank the developers of this app bc I really had a lot of use for it bc of the weather in my area!! Thank you!!

rigpasword
May 13, 2024

Wow, I'm impressed. This app is a science lesson on Auroral and solar activity and provides a ton of useful information. I'm most interested in knowing ahead of time when to head outside to see an Aurora but I also want to learn more about solar activity. Thanks for a great app! Outstanding Aurora Prediction Tool Wow, I'm impressed. This app is a science lesson on Auroral and solar activity and provides a ton of useful information. I'm most interested in knowing ahead of time when to head outside to see an Aurora but I also want to learn more about solar activity. Thanks for a great app!

Erich_M
Jul 31, 2024

Works great but it would be nice to be able to set the time frame for alerts. I don’t need to know during the day as they won’t be visible. Very good app! Works great but it would be nice to be able to set the time frame for alerts. I don’t need to know during the day as they won’t be visible.

App Details

Developer

TINAC Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.6

Last Updated

10/9/2025