Forecast tools

Best aurora forecast apps & alerts

Six aurora forecast tools compared for accuracy, alerts and Southern Hemisphere support, so you know which one is actually built for Australia and New Zealand.

Last updated 26 July 2026. AuroraSee is our own product, disclosed here and throughout — every comparison below only states what each app publicly says about itself; anything we couldn’t verify is marked “Not stated” rather than guessed.

What to look for in an aurora app

  • A southern-hemisphere-tuned index, not just the global Kp index, which under-predicts visibility this far south
  • Cloud cover factored into the verdict, not just geomagnetic activity on its own
  • Real push alerts, not a dashboard you have to remember to check
  • Free, with no install required if you just want a quick check

Feature comparison

FeatureAuroraSeeAuroraMeHello AuroraMy Aurora Forecast & AlertsLumyrosAuroraReach
Southern-hemisphere-tuned index (not just global Kp)YesNoNot statedNoNot statedNot stated
Cloud cover factored into the verdictYesYesNot statedNot statedNot statedYes
Free push alertsYesYesNot statedYesNot statedNot stated
No app install requiredYesNot statedNot statedNoNot statedNot stated

FAQ

Common questions

Is there a free aurora forecast app for Australia?

Yes. Several of the apps above are free, but most are tuned around the global Kp index, which under-predicts visibility this far south. AuroraSee is free and tracks the Kaus index, the Bureau of Meteorology's own measure for the Australian region, alongside Bz and cloud cover for five AU/NZ regions.

Do I need to install an app to get aurora alerts?

No. AuroraSee runs entirely in the browser and delivers alerts through free web push, no app store, no install. Most of the apps above do require an install from the App Store or Google Play.