Northern Lights Map and How to Use It

What is a Northern Lights map?

A Northern Lights map, also known as an aurora map, provides a live view of where in the world you are likely to see the aurora borealis.

This map visualizes the aurora oval, a ring-shaped zone around the Earth’s magnetic poles where auroras are most active. On Hello Aurora app we features a map that shows the aurora oval, real-time aurora sightings reported by users, and cloud coverage. You can choose to view the map in either mercator or 3D projection mode.

What is the Aurora Oval?

The aurora oval is a banded ring that shows the real-time Northern Lights forecast and intensity for the northern countries using the OVATION model. On Hello Aurora app, the aurora oval provides a nowcast regarding the location and intensity of the Northern Lights. The oval can expand or shrink depending on solar activity; as it expands southward, more countries situated in the southern regions may be able to see the Northern Lights.

What do the color mean? The aurora probability overlay on the map displays color-coded regions, indicating the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. The color range from green (low probability) to red (high probability).

How can you use It? If you notice aurora activity expanding toward your location and you have a clear sky, you can expect to see the aurora above you. For Pro users, you can use the 3D mode to view the ring shape and the flat mercator view to get a closer look at your area.

What is the Aurora Spotted Location?

In Hello Aurora app, you will see green dots on the map indicating where users have reported aurora sightings. These reports come from real users in the area. There are two ways users can submit aurora sightings:

• Spotted with photos: Users can include photos when reporting the Northern Lights. Aurora photos are labeled 'Moments' and can be view on the Moments tab.
• Spotted without photos: Users can report sightings without photos but must indicate the intensity of the observed aurora.

Why are aurora sightings important? These reports are valuable because they come from real people in the area. Relying solely on forecasts may not always help; having confirmation from others increases your chances of seeing the lights. You can receive notifications when someone spots the aurora, and you can choose to receive only reports that include photos.

How to use the aurora spotted map? When you see reports of the Northern Lights nearby, go outside and try to take a photo of the sky. Our users have found this feature particularly helpful in locating the lights.

Cloud Coverage

Clouds are the primary obstacle that can block your view of the Northern Lights. Hello Aurora app provides cloud coverage information and tracks cloud movements to help you identify clear gaps where you can go to see the lights. We offer cloud coverage data for Iceland, Sweden, Finland, the UK, and Norway.

Seeing the Northern Lights doesn't have to be difficult. The aurora map is an essential and easy-to-understand tool.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need the aurora oval to be directly overhead?
A: No, when the activities are strong, they can be visible from as far as 1,000 km away.

Q: The oval shows activity during the daytime, but why can't I see the lights?
A: The lights are not visible during the day because we need a dark sky to see them.

Q: Can I see the Northern Lights even if the aurora spotted aren’t near me?
A: Yes, you don’t have to wait for the Northern Lights to be spotted exactly at your location. If you have a clear sky, you may still see them, even if the nearest sighting is 20 kilometres away. Just go outside, look up at the sky, and try to take a photo with a long exposure setting.

Q: Are the sightings reported by real people?
A: Yes, the sightings are submitted by real individuals in the area.