Apps for Earth Weather Forecast and Moon phase

Phone and tablet apps

We can separate apps into two groups plus some separate ones. This group is for the forecast of Earths weather predictions. The other group is for the space weather forecast. The app for light pollution will be explained separately. See the menu 'Apps'.
First of all: explore the other apps and websites yourself. My description here is based on what I think suits me best but that is just me.




The last five are about Earths weather.

Obviously you need a clear sky. Interference of the full moon is also a thing to avoid when ever possible. However... think about this a little longer when you are planning. The light of the moon diminishes the visibility of the aurora but enhances the visibility of your environment. This can be nice on your photos.

So... you know there will be a chance of spotting the aurora and now you have to plan the weather.
Clouds are your numbers 1 thru 1000 enemy if your goal is a perfect photo of the aurora and its structure and colours. Though the aurora can be seen thru a thin layer of clouds, the first thing that will get lost is the structures in the light.

Cloud Radar

My findings and experience make me choose the 'Windy' app my goto when it is about the clouds. The radar image and underlying map is to me the clearest but of course you have to explore other apps like said before.
Tap the menubutton and choose the clouds tab. The example is in Dutch but the app supports some 30+ languages. Which brings me to the settings. I can be short here... I guess there isn't much that you cannot set to your likings. both the menu and the settings are very extensive. The only reason why I didn't place this app in my Aurora Group on my phone.

Moon Phases And Position

The Moon is your landscape size lightsource or your worst enemy. The first thing planning you trip is to decide which of the two it will be. Is it the first than decide how much lighting you want and depending on that, and for the latter, search for a date that the moon will not or will be there so you get your desired lighting or total darkness.

Moon Phase and position

Finnish Meteorological Institute