Question 1

How do sunset predictions work?

Accepted Answer

Sunset Predictor uses real-time weather data from OpenWeather API to calculate a quality score (0-100) for upcoming sunsets. Our algorithm analyzes factors including cloud cover, humidity, visibility, and atmospheric conditions to predict how vibrant and colorful the sunset will be. The score reflects the likelihood of seeing a beautiful, photogenic sunset.

Question 2

What does the quality score mean?

Accepted Answer

The quality score ranges from 0 to 100 and is categorized as follows: 90-100 (Spectacular): Exceptional conditions for a stunning sunset with vibrant colors. 70-89 (Excellent): Great conditions, highly recommended for photography. 40-69 (Good): Decent sunset expected with some nice colors. 0-39 (Fair): Basic sunset, may lack vibrancy.

Question 3

How accurate are the predictions?

Accepted Answer

Our predictions are based on meteorological data and atmospheric science, but sunset quality can be affected by local conditions and sudden weather changes. We typically achieve good accuracy for predictions within the next few hours. The prediction quality depends on the accuracy of weather forecasts, which generally decreases for longer time ranges.

Question 4

How do alerts work?

Accepted Answer

Sunset alerts allow you to get notified when great sunset conditions are predicted for your chosen locations: Create an account and sign in. Search for a location and click "Create Alert". Set your quality threshold (e.g., notify me when quality ≥ 70). Choose notification methods (email and/or push notifications). Optionally enable Early Notification to receive an additional heads-up earlier in the day. Receive alerts automatically when conditions meet your threshold.

Question 5

What is the Early Notification feature?

Accepted Answer

Early Notification is an opt-in feature that gives you a heads-up earlier in the day when conditions look promising. Instead of a single alert close to sunset, alerts support two notification phases: Early phase (opt-in): Sent between sunrise and 3 hours before sunset — a heads-up based on a longer-range forecast so you can plan your evening. Final phase (always on): Sent within 3 hours of sunset — the most accurate forecast, same as the standard alert. You can enable Early Notification when creating or editing an alert by checking the "Early Notification" checkbox. If you don't enable it, you'll only receive the final notification — no change from the default behavior.

Question 6

How do I enable push notifications?

Accepted Answer

To receive browser push notifications: Create an account and sign in. When creating or editing an alert, select "Push Notification" as your notification method. Your browser will prompt you to allow notifications from Sunset Predictor. Click "Allow" to enable notifications. For iOS Safari: Add the app to your home screen for push notifications to work. Tap the share icon and select "Add to Home Screen"..

Question 7

Can I use this app offline?

Accepted Answer

Sunset Predictor is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you can add it to your home screen for a native app-like experience. However, since predictions require real-time weather data, an internet connection is needed to fetch new predictions. Previously viewed predictions may be cached temporarily for quick access.

Question 8

How can I share a prediction?

Accepted Answer

Click the "Share" button on any prediction result to generate a unique link. When you share this link on social media or messaging apps, a beautiful preview image (OG image) will automatically appear, showing the sunset quality, location, and key weather factors in your selected language and unit preference.

Question 9

How is my data used?

Accepted Answer

We collect minimal data to provide our service: Location data: Only used to fetch weather data and provide predictions. Account data: Email, name, and profile picture (from Google sign-in) for account management. Alert preferences: Stored to send you notifications. Analytics: Anonymous usage data to improve the service. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.

Question 10

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

To delete your account: Sign in to your account. Go to your profile page. Scroll to the "Danger Zone" section at the bottom. Click "Delete Account" and confirm. This will permanently delete all your data including alerts, preferences, and account information.

Question 11

Why do I need to allow location access?

Accepted Answer

Location access is optional and only used to automatically detect your current location for convenience. You can always manually search for any location worldwide without granting location permissions. If you choose to allow location access, we use it to provide faster, more relevant predictions for your area.

Question 12

Which browsers are supported?

Accepted Answer

Sunset Predictor works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge (latest versions). For the best experience with push notifications on iOS, we recommend adding the app to your home screen and using it as a Progressive Web App (PWA).

Question 13

Why is my prediction different from what I see?

Accepted Answer

Weather predictions are estimates based on atmospheric data. Local conditions, sudden weather changes, or microclimates can affect the actual sunset. Additionally, personal perception of sunset beauty can vary. We use scientific models to predict conditions, but nature is beautifully unpredictable!

Question 14

How do I change between metric and imperial units?

Accepted Answer

You can toggle between Metric (°C, m/s, km) and Imperial (°F, mph, mi) units using the unit toggle button in the header or in your profile settings. Your preference is automatically saved to your account if you're signed in, or to your browser local storage if you're a guest.

Question 15

Is the app available in multiple languages?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Sunset Predictor currently supports English, Russian, French, Romanian, Ukrainian, and German. You can switch languages at any time using the globe icon in the navigation menu. All content, including shared links and preview images, will automatically adapt to your chosen language.

Question 16

Do I need an account to use Sunset Predictor?

Accepted Answer

No! You can search for locations and view sunset predictions without an account. However, creating a free account allows you to set up alerts, save favorite locations, and receive notifications when great sunsets are predicted.

Question 17

What sign-in options are available?

Accepted Answer

Sunset Predictor supports three sign-in methods: Google sign-in, Apple sign-in, and email/password registration. With Google or Apple sign-in, we only request basic profile information (email, name, profile picture). With email/password, you'll need to verify your email address via a confirmation link before accessing all features. All methods are secure and free.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

How do sunset predictions work?

What does the quality score mean?

How accurate are the predictions?

Features

How do alerts work?

How do I enable push notifications?

What is the Early Notification feature?

Can I use this app offline?

How can I share a prediction?

What is the Community Gallery?

How do I share a gallery photo?

How do I browse sunset locations?

Privacy & Security

How is my data used?

How do I delete my account?

Technical

Why is my prediction different from what I see?

How do I change between metric and imperial units?

Is the app available in multiple languages?

Why do I need to allow location access?

Which browsers are supported?

Plans & Billing

Can I keep using Home Assistant for free?

What counts as commercial use?

What happens if I exceed my API limit?

What happens if I exceed widget views?

Can I cancel anytime?

Do widgets stop working if I downgrade?

Account

Do I need an account to use Sunset Predictor?

What sign-in options are available?

Why do I need to verify my email?

What is the newsletter?

Still have questions?