How to Get Alerts for Northern Lights

How to choose the best aurora app for alerts

Not all aurora apps are the same. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, choose apps that rely on real-time data, local weather conditions, and community sightings, not just the Kp index is the best way to get accurate and up-to-date alerts.

Here are the 4 key features you should look for in a reliable aurora alert app:

1. Real-time aurora substorm alerts

The aurora moves fast and can appear and disappear quickly. Apps that send real-time substorm notifications are more accurate than apps that only provide general forecasts.

For example, the Hello Aurora app sends instant notifications when a substorm is expanding, taking into account weather and cloud coverage in your area This matters because no matter how strong the auroral storm is, you won’t see the aurora if the sky is cloudy.

2. Location-based notifications

Aurora visibility depends heavily on your location. Apps that calculate your geolocation, local weather, and solar activity give you personalized alerts that actually increase your chances.

This means you get alerts that are relevant to you, not just a broad region.

3. Community aurora sightings

Sometimes, aurora activity is weak but still visible. That’s when community reports are invaluable. Good aurora apps notify you when other people nearby spot the Northern Lights, along with photos, aurora intensity levels, and aurora locations.

Hello Aurora sends live notifications when someone in your country sees the aurora. You can even filter alerts to focus only on sightings within a specific distance (Pro feature). This way, you avoid unnecessary alerts and only get notified when it’s relevant to your area.

Community alerts not only improve your chances but also keep you motivated while waiting for the aurora.

4. Avoid apps that use only the Kp index

Many apps send alerts based only on the Kp index (an average 3 to 6 hours scale that measures geomagnetic activity). However, this can be misleading.

• In places inside the aurora oval like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Alaska, you can see the aurora with a Kp index as low as 2.
• High Kp index alerts don’t guarantee visibility if the weather is poor and it's not a real-time data as the aurora is rapidly evolving.

That’s why real-time alerts + weather + location-based forecasts are more important than just Kp values.

How to confirm if it’s the Northern Lights?

Faint auroras can look like clouds or light pollution to the naked eye. Your camera is more sensitive than your eyes. To confirm:

• Use your phone’s camera (or DSLR if you have)
• Point it at the sky in night mode (if you have) or with long exposure
• If you see a green glow in your photo, it’s likely the aurora

How to set up your phone for Northern Lights photography?

Most modern smartphones are capable of capturing the aurora. Here’s how:

1. Open the camera app on your phone and switch to night mode if you have
2. Hold your phone steady (use a tripod if possible)
3. Focus on the brightest area of the sky such as freeze the focus on the aurora where it's brightest or the star (not street-lights though)
4. Keep your phone steady and take a shots.

Watch this video on how to take photo of the Northern Lights with an Iphone

What you can expect while hunting the aurora

• Northern Lights alerts increase your chances but cannot guarantee sightings.
• The aurora is a natural phenomenon, just like weatherm it can change at any time.
• Be patient: sometimes the lights appear for only a few minutes, sometimes you'll have to wait for hours,
• The lights are often fainter to the human eye than in photos or videos you’ve seen online.

The best advice? Use alerts to reduce stress and increase your opportunities, but also enjoy your Arctic trip, even if nature keeps its mystery hidden for one night.

Aurora alerts app feature checklist

This checklist can help you decide on what to look for when choosing a Northern Lights alerts app.