Happy Sun: UV index by cell phone

Happy Sun, a new UV protection service, provides information on the UV index- by SMS, a form of text messaging available to cell phone.

Using satellite data on radiation, ozone, and cloud coverage, HappySun calculates the UV index throughout the day and sends it to subscribers by SMS enabled mobile phones. This information can also be accessed on the internet.

The World Health Organization recently released a report saying that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is responsible for up to 60,000 deaths per year, worldwide. Some of these deaths could be prevented through simple measures such as wearing sun-reflective clothing, wide brim hats, and seeking shade when the UV index climbs.

The HappySun service can be customized by individual users, who must complete an online questionnaire about skin sensitivity, amount of expected UV exposure, and specifics of location, including time and place.

The service takes this information and suggests an individualized "safe exposure time" and recommends SPF level, too.

Aside from UV information, the HappySun service can also provide information about sea temperature and water transparency- both of which can help travelers plan better for their vacations.

Currently available in Italy, HappySun plans to release throughout Europe within the next year.