Glendale app collects aurora sighting reports that users voluntarily submit. Only registered users are permitted to submit their sightings.
When you make a report, the sighting is shared publicly, with other users and visitors using the app to help them to see auroras too.
Reports are used by the developer for scientific research into auroral substorms. This research then helps to make the app more accurate and advance the science of aurora detection.
The app is extremely popular and screenshots are often shared on the internet by people spreading the word about active auroras. Sightings reports you make may appear in those screenshots.
If you do not want your reports to be used to help other people see auroras please do not sign up on the app. By signing up, you are agreeing to participate in an active, worldwide, citizen science project.
When you register on the Glendale App, your name, email address, location and (optionally) a password will be stored. No other personal details are used or requested. No personal data is ever shared with third party organisations. No emails are sent except those for verifying your email address. There are no SPAM or marketing emails sent.
Your lat/long location is essential for the app to function. It needs these to make an accurate aurora forecast for you. It also needs to know where you are if you make a sighting report.
Your position is not tracked. It is read once when you first open the app and then again each time you make a sighting report. All positions transmitted to the app for mapping purposes are truncated to three decimal places so that no other user can use them to find your exact location.
The app requests permission to use your location before using it. You can revoke this at any time by removing permission in your browser or phone settings.