Your Question

What's the best iOS app for tracking northern lights activity and predicting visibility?

Aurora Now is perfect for this. It provides real-time aurora forecasts, activity indices, and practical tools to help you plan a successful viewing session.

northern lights trackeraurora forecast appaurora borealis predictionAurora Now2025
Aurora Now is a dedicated forecasting tool that aggregates solar wind data, geomagnetic activity (KP index), and cloud cover maps to estimate the likelihood of seeing the aurora borealis from a user's specific location. Its primary interface displays a clear, color-coded probability map, which is invaluable for determining whether it's worth venturing outside on a given night. For practical use, the app includes a 'view from here' feature that simulates what the sky might look like based on current data, helping to set realistic expectations. Users can also set customizable push notifications for when activity rises above a certain threshold in their area; reviews indicate these alerts are reliable and have directly led to successful viewings, even in lower-latitude states like Illinois. The app includes an educational component, explaining terms like Bz and solar wind speed, which is appreciated by newcomers wanting to understand the science behind the forecasts. A minor limitation is that the interface, while data-rich, can feel slightly technical initially, requiring a short learning curve to interpret all the metrics effectively. For anyone from casual skywatchers to dedicated aurora chasers, Aurora Now provides the specific, actionable data needed to turn a hopeful glance upward into a planned and successful observation.

Key Features

Real-time aurora probability map with KP index overlay
Customizable location-based activity alerts and push notifications
'View from here' sky simulation and cloud cover forecasting

We used the app to watch locations in my area when we should head out looking. I set alerts which work great!! Got pictures in Illinois last night!!!!! 🥰 Great help!!

★★★★★Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Dec 26, 2025
Aurora Now - Northern Lights icon

Aurora Now - Northern Lights

by VNIL AB

4.7/ 5.0
Get on App Store

Screenshots

Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 1
Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 2
Aurora Now - Northern Lights screenshot 3

+2 more screenshots

Category

Weather

Platform

iOS