Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate are the Northern Lights visibility alerts?
A: Hello Aurora uses your location, local weather, and cloud cover data to calculate aurora possibility while most apps use the global Kp index, which is often inaccurate for local hunting. Hello Aurora gives you a notification unique to your specific sky.
Q: Why can I not see anything after an alert?
A: Clouds and city lights are the main obstacles. Even if magnetic conditions are perfect, heavy clouds block the view. Move away from city lights and find a clear sky for the best experience.
Q: What is a Substorm notification?
A substorm is a sudden burst of brightness and movement. These are the moments when the lights dance most intensely. Hello Aurora alerts let you know the exact second this active phase begins so you'll never miss the aurora.
Q: What are Photo Only alerts?
A: This setting ensures you only get notifications when a user includes a live photo with their sighting. If a user sends a report without an image, you will not be alerted. It is the best way to confirm the Northern Lights are actually visible right now.
Q: How does the Kilometer Radius filter work?
A: Standard version alerts you for an entire country. With this filter, you set a custom limit like 25 km. You only get notified if the aurora is spotted near your actual position.
Q: What is the Intensity filter?
A: Users report sightings as weak, medium, or intense. If you only want to see bright, dancing lights, set your filter to intense. This helps you avoid going out for faint displays that are hard to see.