Aurora forecast, alerts & photography guide app

Aurora forecast and guide app for iPhone
Download on the App Store

Created by the aurora photographer for aurora photographers

Step's Aurora Guide — your perfect companion for aurora photography adventure. Elevate your chances of capturing breathtaking images of the northern lights and aurora australis.

Join aurora photographers from 49 countries around the world already using the app

Receive alerts and track aurora probability in real time

Real-time aurora forecast and alerts

Never miss out on the upcoming aurora again! Receive timely aurora alerts as your chances of witnessing the aurora within the next hour become high. And explore the app for personalized insights tailored to your location.

Monitor what’s happening with solar wind parameters

Solar wind parameters: Bz, Speed, Density, Bt

Check current Bz, Speed, Density, and Bt. Watch how they evolve over time and uncover the behind-the-scenes dynamics driving the aurora.

Plan the perfect night with tonight's forecast

Aurora and weather forecast for tonight

Make well-informed decisions for tonight and beyond. Access hour-by-hour updates on geomagnetic activity, cloud coverage, temperature, and wind forecast. Compare conditions for your current location and up to 5 custom spots.

Strategise with the 27-day aurora forecast

27-day aurora forecast

Stay a step ahead with the 27-day geomagnetic activity forecast. Moreover, due to the Sun's rotation, the solar activity you see in this forecast tends to repeat. Gain an even longer perspective with the 81-day forecast – a triple repetition of the 27-day one.

Know moon phases and dark hours calendar

Kp-index, moon phase and dark hours calendar

Effortlessly align your photography sessions with the optimal moon phase and ensure darkness reigns in your chosen locations. Capture the magic of the aurora right from the beginning till the end of the season with ease.

Learn from the text guide what to expect tonight

Aurora photography guide based on tonight's forecast

Receive tailored advice grounded in aurora and weather forecasts, moon positioning, and your location. Uncover whether the aurora will likely grace the horizon or dance overhead. Enhance your shots by capturing stunning reflections and embracing serene moonlit landscapes with timely hints.

Benefit from forecast-based photography advice

Camera settings for aurora photography tonight

Gain valuable insights on how to prepare for aurora photography and what to pay attention to in the forecasted weather conditions. Receive expert camera settings tips to capture stunning aurora shots.

Use up to 5 custom locations simultaneously

Receive high Kp-index and aurora alerts

Maximize your chances of finding clear skies and favorable conditions for your aurora photography adventure by utilizing your current location and up to 5 custom spots. Seamlessly navigate between forecasts and expert guidance for each spot and plan your aurora photography sessions with precision and ease.

Additional app features not mentioned above

  • Stay ahead of the aurora! Beyond aurora alerts, receive notifications about elevated Kp-index levels in the coming days.

  • Discover the minimum Kp-indices required to witness the aurora overhead and on the horizon for all of your added locations.

  • Employ the informative moon and dark hours infographic for tonight and the next night when crafting your aurora photography session plans.

  • Customize the app to your preferences. Set your preferred units for temperature and wind speed, as well as the start and end days of the week.

Frequently asked questions

  • The app uniquely combines and presents information in an easy and enjoyable manner, making it effortless to track forecasts and receive timely alerts. It's all about increasing your chances of capturing the aurora pictures of your dreams.

  • There isn't a free version available because all the app's features are integral and work best when used together. However, you can experience this for yourself with a 3-day free trial, which gives you full access to all the app's features.

  • Far from expensive, the app enhances your chances of experiencing unforgettable aurora moments for just about $14.99 per year or $4.99 per month, though exact prices depend on your App Store region. For precise prices, please visit the app’s page in the App Store, or view the exact price when you open the app.

  • No, you won’t be charged immediately. You will only be charged if you do not cancel the free trial at least 24 hours before it ends, in line with the standard practice for App Store auto-renewable subscriptions.

  • Cancelling your free trial or subscription, as well as changing your subscription plan, is straightforward. Simply go to your iPhone’s Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions, or manage it directly within the app’s Settings page.

  • The app is designed for global use in all the regions where auroras could be visible. Nevertheless, by adding locations of your interest, you can see the forecasts and plan ahead, regardless of your current location.

  • You can use the app without granting any permissions if you choose. However, if you wish to use your current location or receive aurora alerts, the app will request these permissions to enable those features.

  • Absolutely! Tracking aurora activity and weather forecasts for multiple locations simultaneously is one of the app's standout features. You can add up to five locations, allowing you to monitor aurora activity and weather forecasts well in advance of your travels. Once your aurora adventure begins, you can also add a few locations within reach and easily swipe through them to find spots with clear skies and favourable weather conditions.

  • The app utilizes reliable data from the Space Weather Prediction Center. Although space weather is less predictable than terrestrial weather, the Kp-index forecasts and alerts effectively inform you about potential upcoming aurora activity. The real-time aurora forecasts and alerts are particularly accurate, offering approximately an hour's lead time. Combined with additional data, these forecasts and alerts significantly increase your chances of capturing this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

  • Yes, there are three types of guides available within the app. The Starting Guide provides a brief overview of how to use the app. The Info sections on each of the main app pages offer insights into the forecasts and data presented. The Guide for Tonight suggests what to expect and advises on camera settings based on the current forecast.

  • If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the form on the Contact page. You'll also find a link to the contacts in the app's Settings page whenever needed.

  • Absolutely. The app has been regularly updated with new features since its launch and will continue to receive updates in the future to enhance your aurora photography experience.

Download Step’s Aurora Guide app and start your 3-day free trial today.

Step's Aurora Guide
Download on the App Store