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How do we find out how bad our light pollution is? I mean I know I can click on the clear skies map but is there a way to find out what it is exactly where we live (e.g. based on our address)?

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Clear Sky Chart simply interfaces to the World Atlas of Light Pollution, which is based on decades-old satellite measurements. It's really not bad at all, but the data is old, and the resolution is hopelessly inadequate in and around urban areas.

The short answer is that if you live inside the boundaries of a major U.S. city, your light pollution is really bad.

The long answer is that the only way to find out for sure is to measure it yourself. You are then faced with the dilemma of how to express that measurement in terms that will be meaningful to other people.

In my opinion, the best method to date is to use the Sky Quality Meter (Google for it). But this has to be used with great care, as it can be fooled by nearby streetlights or obstructions.

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Tony Flanders

eyeglasses
6x15 and 8x32 monoculars
8x25, 7x35, 10x30 IS, 10x50, and 15x70 binoculars
70mm and 100mm achromatic refractors
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