Everything You Need to Know About the App My Aurora Forecast

Are you planning a trip to see the Northern Lights? If so, you may want to download the app My Aurora Forecast. Developed by the Finnish company, Jake Ruston, this app can help you monitor and predict the appearance of the aurora borealis. But what exactly is the app My Aurora Forecast, and is it worth downloading? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this popular app and explore its features, pros, and cons.

What is My Aurora Forecast?

My Aurora Forecast is a mobile application that predicts the possibility and strength of the aurora borealis. Available for both iOS and Android devices, this app uses data from multiple sources, including the Space Weather Prediction Center and the Global Forecast System, to provide real-time information about solar activity and the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. In addition to predicting the aurora, the app also provides information about cloud cover and visibility, helping you plan the best time and location for viewing the phenomenon.

Features

One of the standout features of My Aurora Forecast is its user-friendly interface. The app is easy to navigate and provides a wealth of information in a clear and concise format. Here are some of the key features of the app:

1. Aurora Forecast

The Aurora Forecast feature provides a five-day forecast of the Aurora Borealis, based on your location. The feature displays a color-coded map that indicates the likelihood of seeing the aurora, with green indicating low probability and red indicating high probability. The map also displays the potential strength of the aurora, ranging from Kp 0 (no activity) to Kp 9 (strong activity).

2. Cloud Cover Forecast

In addition to predicting the aurora, My Aurora Forecast also provides a cloud cover forecast for your location. The feature displays a map that shows the cloud cover in your area, with blue indicating clear skies and dark blue indicating cloudy skies. This feature is helpful for predicting visibility and planning the best time and location for viewing the aurora.

3. Visibility Index

The Visibility Index feature provides a rating of how visible the aurora will be in your location. The index ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 indicating perfect visibility and 0 indicating no visibility. This feature takes into account the cloud cover, as well as the strength of the aurora.

4. Notifications

My Aurora Forecast allows you to set up notifications for aurora sightings and other alerts. You can customize the alert settings to receive notifications for specific Kp values, or you can choose to receive all notifications. This feature is a great way to stay informed about the aurora and never miss a sighting.

Pros

There are several advantages to using My Aurora Forecast:

1. Accurate Predictions

According to user reviews, My Aurora Forecast provides accurate predictions of the aurora. The app uses data from multiple sources to ensure that its predictions are as reliable as possible. Users have reported that the app’s predictions are often spot-on, allowing them to plan their aurora viewing activities with confidence.

2. User-Friendly Interface

As mentioned earlier, My Aurora Forecast has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and understand. The app presents a lot of data in a clear and concise format, helping users quickly assess the likelihood and strength of the aurora.

3. Detailed Information

The app provides detailed information about the aurora, including its strength, probability, and visibility. In addition, it provides information about cloud cover and other factors that can affect aurora viewing. This information can be very useful for planning aurora trips and ensuring a successful viewing experience.

Cons

While there are many benefits to using My Aurora Forecast, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

1. Paid Features

While the basic features of the app are free, some of the more advanced features require a paid subscription. These features include push notifications and the ability to view data for multiple locations. While the subscription fee is relatively low, it may be a turnoff for some users who prefer completely free apps.

2. Limited Coverage

My Aurora Forecast provides coverage for most of the world, but there are some areas, particularly in the southern hemisphere, that are not covered. This means that users in these areas may not be able to use the app to predict the aurora.

3. Battery Drain

Some users have reported that the app can be a battery drain, particularly if they leave it running in the background. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to use the app for extended periods of time.

Conclusion

Overall, My Aurora Forecast is a useful and user-friendly app for predicting the aurora borealis. Its accurate predictions, detailed information, and customizable notifications make it a popular choice for aurora enthusiasts around the world. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the paid features and limited coverage, the app is still a great tool for anyone planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.