Light Pollution Map is a free, interactive web app built for astronomers, astrophotographers, and anyone who wants to escape city glow and see a truly dark sky. Instead of guessing where the nearest dark-sky location might be, you can open the map, click anywhere on Earth, and instantly see how much artificial light is washing out the stars there.
Key features:
- Bortle Scale rating: Every point on the map is scored on the 9-level Bortle Scale, from Bortle 1 (pristine skies where the Milky Way is easily visible) to Bortle 9 (inner-city skies where only the brightest stars and planets show up), so you can compare locations at a glance without any equipment.
- Real satellite data: The map is powered by VIIRS satellite night-light imagery, giving accurate, up-to-date readings of artificial skyglow anywhere in the world, plus an estimated SQM (Sky Quality Meter) value for any spot you click.
- Nearby stargazing spots: Along with the Bortle rating for your chosen location, the tool suggests nearby dark-sky spots so you don't have to drive further than necessary.
- Aurora forecasts: A built-in aurora probability overlay based on NOAA data helps aurora chasers figure out where and when they have the best chance of catching the northern or southern lights.
- Certified dark sky places: The map marks official Dark Sky-certified parks and reserves, so you can plan trips around locations that are protected from light pollution.
- Moon phase and golden hour tools: Because moonlight and twilight both affect how dark the sky really is, the map includes moon phase tracking and golden-hour timing to help you pick the best night for observing.
- Weather overlays: Cloud cover and other weather layers let you check observing conditions without leaving the map.
- Flexible search: Search anything from a whole country or region down to a specific city or address to get a precise light-pollution reading for that exact spot.
Who it's for: The tool is aimed at amateur and professional astronomers, astrophotographers planning a shoot, campers and road-trippers looking for a night sky worth watching, and anyone curious about how much light pollution affects their own backyard. It's completely free to use, works right in the browser with no signup required, and is a handy companion for planning a stargazing trip, an astrophotography session, or simply finding the darkest sky within driving distance.
Website: https://www.lightpollutionmap.io/
