Turn your late-night aurora chase into real-time space weather data.
You’re standing outside. The air is crisp, the stars are sharp—and suddenly, there it is. A shimmering green curtain rippling across the sky. It’s nature’s best light show, and you’re one of the lucky few watching it unfold.
You grab your phone. Maybe you take a photo. Maybe you text a friend. But what if you could do something more… scientific?
You can.
Thanks to Aurorasaurus, your aurora sighting can actually contribute to real research and improve the very forecasts that help others see the lights. This guide will walk you through exactly how to make your stargazing count.
When you report an aurora to Aurorasaurus, your sighting becomes a data point in a powerful crowd-sourced system that:
Your entry might help pinpoint a rare southern aurora in Texas—or confirm the edge of a storm in Finland. Either way, your contribution matters more than you think.
Want to learn more about auroras and space weather? Try our Beginner’s Aurora Tracker Guide or Space Weather Glossary.
Reporting your sighting takes less than two minutes. Here's how to do it right:
That’s it! Once submitted, your report is immediately added to the live global map. You’re officially part of the aurora-watching network.
Want to see live aurora forecasts? Check out our Aurora Map and Citizen Science From Your Backyard for more ways to contribute.
Want to make your sighting count even more? Follow these quick guidelines:
Photos are encouraged—but not required. Your words are powerful on their own.
Want to improve your aurora photography? See our Aurora Photography Guide and DIY Star Trail Photography.
Aurorasaurus isn’t just another pretty map. It’s a collaborative tool that researchers use to:
Each report helps scientists refine storm models and forecast auroras more accurately. You’re not just witnessing beauty—you’re contributing to our understanding of the Sun-Earth connection.
“Crowdsourced observations like yours allow us to fill in gaps between satellite data and real-world experience. Every sighting helps.”
— Adapted from Aurorasaurus research team FAQs
Want to understand the KP Index? Read our Space Weather Glossary or Beginner’s Aurora Tracker Guide.
Whether you're watching from a cabin in Alaska or your backyard in Minnesota, your experience is valuable. You don’t need a telescope. You don’t need a degree.
You just need to look up, stay curious, and log what you see.
✨ So next time the sky lights up:
→ Report your aurora sighting at Aurorasaurus.org
You’ll be doing more than skywatching.
You’ll be doing science.
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