How can I see the aurora chance at my location
First things first, give the app access to your current location or choose a location when starting the app.
The most important information in the app is the percentage shown on the top of the app. This is a percentage received from the NOAA but with some extra algorithms applied to take additional parameters into account such as cloud coverage and the position of the sun.
In case the data from the NOAA is not available we use the KP, provided by the NOAA and/or Potsdam. The KP index is a number between 0 and 9 which shows how strong the auroral activity is worldwide. 5+ is very high, 4+ is high and 3+ is medium. We then apply this KP index in a mathematical model to give us a more accurate prediction than just from this value, taking your (magnetic)location into account and the time of the day.
The cloud coverage should be as low as possible otherwise you won’t be able to see the Aurora even if it is directly above you.
Looking at the first few graphs on the Forecasts screen of the app will give you the biggest chance of seeing the aurora. If you see that the cloud forecast says it will be very cloudy, you could try to go to somewhere else where it will be less cloudy.
Where does the data in the app come from?
The app uses several different data sources to maximize its accuracy and usefulness.
The app uses GFZ Potsdam for the current KP index. This is because it is accurate and is also updated more frequently than other sources (which often only update every 3 hours). This ensures that the KP index shown by the app is as close to the current reality as possible.
Data on the likelihood of viewing the aurora as well as all of the KP forecasts for the upcoming hours and days come from the SWPC and again this data goes through our own algorithms and mathematical formulas to not only provide you with KP data but an estimated percentage.
The cloud coverage forecasts come from both public sources and commercial weather forecast providers.
How can I change the location used by the app?
By default the app will use the current location of your device. You can set this to one particular location by opening the app, tapping the lilac box at the top of the screen and then tapping “Custom Location”. You can then either search for a town/city in the search bar, or you can long press on a specific point on the map.
What do the colors mean on the aurora map?
Red – 50%+ chance of seeing the aurora
Orange – 30% – 49% chance of seeing the aurora
Green 10% – 29% chance of seeing the aurora
Gray – 1% – 9% chance of seeing the aurora
No color: 0% chance of seeing the aurora
Which timezone is used for the times in the app?
Most of the times listed in the app are in your local time. NOAA forecast images, such as the OVATION images, are normally in UTC and state this on the image. The only other difference is the long term forecasts which shows the KP forecast for each date. This forecast covers the 24-hour period for that date in UTC time. For example, if the long term forecast states KP 4.0 on February 1, then it means that KP 4.0 is expected sometime between 00:00 UTC and 23:59 UTC on February 1.
The app is not showing the chance of seeing the aurora or cloud forecasts.
This is likely because you did not grant the app access to your location or did not select a location
You can do this now by opening the Settings app on your device, scrolling down to “Polar Lights” and then changing the “Location” setting.
If the app shows a high forecast on a day, what time does this mean?
If the app shows a high forecast on, for example, Monday then this means the forecast is high for the period between 22:00 and 04:59 on Tuesday. This means you can consider the forecast valid for Monday night and for the morning hours on Tuesday.
Why do the upcoming days chart and long term forecast chart not match?
It should be noted that the long term forecast data is only updated once per week by the NOAA, whilst the upcoming days forecast is updated every day. Because of this, sometimes the forecasts can differ. Generally, the closer to the time it is (and the smaller the time period shown), the more accurate it is likely to be. In this example, the upcoming days chart is more likely to be accurate.
How can I give the app permission to access my location?
You should be able to do this by opening the Settings app on your device, scrolling down to Polar Lights near the bottom and then changing the “Location” setting.
Is there a subscription fee for using the app?
There is no subscription fee for using the app at the moment. Features will be added in the future that might or might not require a subscription.
I have other questions or problems.
Please contact support by opening the app, navigating to the more tab and contacting support from there.