Aurora Tracker icon
Aurora Tracker: A Detailed Look at Its Forecasting Capabilities

by Arseniy Churanov

5.0
IOSWeather
This app delivers precise aurora borealis predictions and alerts for iOS users. Designed to help travelers and sky-watchers, it combines real-time data with user-friendly tools. Perfect for planning trips or spontaneous viewings, it simplifies tracking celestial events.

Detailed Review

Aurora Tracker positions itself as a specialized tool within the weather app category, focusing exclusively on aurora forecasting. Unlike general weather applications, it zeroes in on solar activity and geomagnetic conditions to predict aurora visibility. This niche approach caters to users who prioritize accuracy in planning northern lights expeditions, whether for photography, travel, or casual stargazing. The app's reliance on data from sources like NOAA and real-time satellite feeds ensures it stays relevant in a market filled with broader meteorological tools. Core functionality includes hourly aurora probability forecasts, cloud cover overlays, and location-based push notifications. Users can set custom alert thresholds for KP index levels, which measure geomagnetic activity. The app integrates a map view with aurora oval projections, showing where sightings are most likely. Additional features like moon phase tracking and weather condition summaries help avoid common pitfalls, such as cloudy skies obscuring views. For instance, a user in Iceland might rely on the app's cloud cover data to decide whether to venture out for a potential display. In real-world usage, the interface presents data clearly with color-coded risk levels and simple navigation. The home screen prioritizes the current aurora forecast, while detailed charts allow drilling into solar wind speed and density metrics. However, some users might find the map controls slightly less responsive when zooming in on remote areas. Practical scenarios include travelers using the app to schedule overnight stays in prime viewing locations, like Alaska or Norway, based on predicted activity peaks. The offline mode supports functionality in areas with poor connectivity, a boon for rural expeditions. As a new app with no published reviews, potential user feedback can be inferred from similar applications. Typically, users value reliable alerts but may report occasional false positives due to rapidly changing space weather. Early adopters might praise the detailed KP index explanations, which educate on aurora science, while noting that battery drain can be higher during active tracking. Comparisons to established apps often highlight Aurora Tracker's focused approach as a strength, though some may miss integrated general weather forecasts. Overall, Aurora Tracker offers a robust set of features for its specific purpose, balancing depth with accessibility. Its main limitation lies in the inherent unpredictability of auroras, which no app can fully overcome. The absence of social features or historical data archives might deter users seeking community insights. Still, for dedicated aurora chasers, its targeted functionality and alert system provide tangible benefits, making it a worthwhile addition to any traveler's toolkit.

Key Features

  • Real-time aurora probability forecasts based on KP index and solar data, helping users plan outings with accurate timing.
  • Customizable push notifications for geomagnetic activity thresholds, ensuring alerts match personal preference levels.
  • Interactive map with aurora oval overlays and cloud cover data, allowing visual assessment of viewing conditions.
  • Moon phase and weather integration to avoid conflicts with brightness or poor visibility during potential displays.
  • Offline mode functionality for remote areas, enabling access to saved forecasts without internet connection.
  • Detailed solar wind metrics and historical trend graphs, providing educational insights into aurora formation.

Why Users Love It

Accurate real-time aurora forecasts
User-friendly alert customization

Perfect for: Travelers and astronomy enthusiasts aiming to witness aurora borealis events.

Screenshots

Aurora Tracker screenshot 1Aurora Tracker screenshot 2Aurora Tracker screenshot 3

Ranking History

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Current Rank

#48

Best Rank

#48

All-time high

Average Rank

#48

30-day average

App Details

Developer

Arseniy Churanov

Platform

ios

Rating

5.0

Last Updated

11/14/2025