Last updated: September 2, 2025
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy describes how Aurora Chaser ("the App"), developed by Raeston ("we," "us," or "our"), collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Location Information
- What We Collect: When you grant permission, the App accesses your device's location services to determine your current geographic coordinates.
- How We Use It: Location data is used solely to:
- Calculate personalized aurora viewing probability at your location
- Position you accurately on the interactive aurora map
- Provide relevant local aurora visibility information
- Important: Your location data is never stored, cached, logged, or transmitted to external servers.
2.2 Device Information
- What We Collect: Basic device information necessary for app functionality, including:
- iOS version for compatibility checking
- Device type for optimized display
- App usage data for performance optimization
- How We Use It: This information helps ensure the App works properly on your device and enables us to provide the best user experience.
2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect
We do not collect, store, or process:
- Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
- Precise location history or location tracking
- User behavior analytics or usage patterns
- Social media information or contacts
- Photos, videos, or other media files
- Financial information or payment details (handled by Apple)
3. Data Sources
3.1 Third-Party Data
The App displays aurora forecast information sourced exclusively from public APIs:
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: Real-time KP index and aurora forecasts
- NOAA Ovation Aurora Model: Aurora intensity coordinates and viewing probability data
- Solar Wind Data: Public space weather information
3.2 Public Domain Data
All aurora forecast data displayed in the App is sourced from publicly available government APIs and is in the public domain.
4. How We Use Your Information
4.1 Core Functionality
- Calculate aurora viewing probability at your current location
- Display your position on the interactive aurora map
- Provide location-relevant aurora visibility information
- Optimize map display for your geographic region
4.2 App Improvement
- Ensure compatibility across different iOS devices
- Optimize performance and user experience
- Debug technical issues and improve reliability
4.3 We Do NOT Use Your Information For
- Advertising or marketing purposes
- Selling or sharing with third parties
- Creating user profiles or analytics
- Location tracking or monitoring
- Any purpose other than core app functionality
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 No Third-Party Sharing
We do not sell, trade, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for commercial purposes.
5.2 Service Providers
We do not use third-party service providers for analytics, advertising, or data processing.
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights, but given that we collect minimal data, such instances would be extremely limited.
6. Data Security
6.1 Technical Measures
- All location processing happens locally on your device
- No sensitive data is transmitted over networks
- The App uses secure APIs for weather data retrieval
- Regular security updates through App Store releases
6.2 Data Minimization
We follow the principle of data minimization by collecting only the information necessary for core app functionality.
7. Your Rights and Choices
7.1 Location Permissions
- You can revoke location permissions at any time through iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
- The App will continue to function with limited features if location access is denied
- No location data is retained when permissions are revoked
7.2 Data Access
Since we don't store personal data, there is no personal information to access, modify, or delete.
7.3 Account Deletion
The App doesn't create user accounts, so no account deletion process is necessary.
8. Children's Privacy
Aurora Chaser does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The App is designed for general audiences interested in aurora viewing and contains no inappropriate content for children.
9. International Data Transfers
Since location data is processed locally on your device and not transmitted to external servers, no international data transfers occur.
10. Subscription and Payment Information
10.1 Payment Processing
- All subscription payments are processed directly by Apple through the App Store
- We do not have access to your payment information or financial details
- Apple's privacy policy governs all payment-related data handling
10.2 Subscription Data
- Subscription status is managed through Apple's systems
- We only receive anonymous subscription validation from Apple when necessary for app functionality
11. Third-Party Services
11.1 Apple Services
The App integrates with Apple services including:
- App Store for purchases and subscriptions
- Core Location for location services
- MapKit for map display
These services are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.
11.2 NOAA APIs
Aurora forecast data is retrieved from public NOAA APIs. No personal information is sent to NOAA servers.
12. Data Retention
12.1 Location Data
Location information is not stored or retained. It is used only for immediate calculations and then discarded.
12.2 App Data
The App may cache weather forecast data locally for performance, but this contains no personal information and is automatically cleaned up by iOS.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
13.1 Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted within the App and will be effective immediately upon posting.
13.2 Notification
Significant changes will be highlighted within the App. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
14. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
15. Compliance
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:
- Apple App Store Review Guidelines
- iOS privacy requirements
- General privacy best practices
- Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA)
16. Transparency
We believe in complete transparency about our data practices:
- We collect only the minimum data necessary for app functionality
- We don't track, analyze, or profile users
- Your privacy and security are our top priorities
- The App is designed with privacy-by-design principles