AuroraWatch UK is a service provided by the Space and Planetary Physics group at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. It offers real-time alerts and information about the visibility of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in the UK.
Function:
Real-Time Alerts: AuroraWatch UK monitors geomagnetic activity and provides real-time alerts to subscribers when there's a high probability of seeing the Northern Lights in the UK.
Data Collection: The service collects data from magnetometers located across the UK to monitor geomagnetic disturbances caused by solar activity.
Public Outreach: AuroraWatch UK aims to increase public awareness and understanding of space weather phenomena, such as geomagnetic storms and the Aurora Borealis.
Characteristics:
Geomagnetic Monitoring: The service uses magnetometer data to monitor geomagnetic activity, which is a key indicator of the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights.
Alert System: AuroraWatch UK operates an alert system with different levels (e.g., yellow, amber, red) indicating the likelihood and intensity of auroral activity.
Website and Mobile App: AuroraWatch UK provides access to its alerts and information through its website and sometimes through mobile apps, allowing users to stay updated on auroral activity.
Highlights:
Public Engagement: AuroraWatch UK engages the public in citizen science by encouraging users to report auroral sightings and contribute to the understanding of geomagnetic phenomena.
Education: The service offers educational resources and information about space weather, geomagnetism, and the Northern Lights, fostering interest and learning in these subjects.
Tourism and Photography: AuroraWatch UK helps aurora enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists plan trips to locations where they have the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights.
Advantages:
Accurate Alerts: AuroraWatch UK's alerts are based on real-time data and scientific analysis, providing accurate information about the visibility of the Northern Lights.
Timely Notifications: Subscribers receive timely notifications when geomagnetic activity indicates a high probability of auroral displays, maximizing their chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Free Service: AuroraWatch UK is typically offered as a free service, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in observing the Aurora Borealis.
