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.

What to look for in an aurora app

→ A southern-hemisphere-tuned index, not just the global Kp, 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

AuroraSee

Free, browser-based, no install. Tracks the Kaus index, tuned for the Australian region, alongside Bz, cloud cover and darkness for five AU/NZ regions, with free push alerts when a real storm starts.

Turn on alerts →

AuroraMe

A 5-factor visibility model (Kp, cloud cover, moon phase, darkness, magnetic latitude) with predictive alerts 30 to 90 minutes ahead. Tracks Australian cities individually.

Visit AuroraMe →

Hello Aurora

Built for real-time hunting: live Aurora Strength, Bz and Bt refreshed every few minutes. Used by aurora hunters and guides, mostly Northern Hemisphere focused.

Visit Hello Aurora →

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts

iOS and Android app showing the Kp index and likelihood, with free push notifications and no in-app purchases.

Visit My Aurora Forecast →

Lumyros

Shows the forecast only for the hours actually dark enough to see anything, a small but genuinely useful filter most aurora apps skip.

Visit Lumyros →

AuroraReach

Gives a per-city visibility score by factoring cloud cover and weather in alongside aurora activity for named locations.

Visit AuroraReach →

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.