Light Pollution Map

Light Pollution Map is an interactive web application that displays global light pollution data using the Bortle Scale and SQM measurements, helping users find optimal locations for stargazing, Milky Way viewing, and aurora observation. Now featuring real-time aurora probability forecasts, Sky Photo Analyzer, advanced exposure calculators, and comprehensive weather data for astronomy planning.

This website provides light pollution maps generated by LightPollutionMap.app from NOAA VIIRS annual night-light data, presented through an interactive map interface. Users can search for specific locations, view Bortle-based reference classes, access SQM readings and all-sky skyglow views, and use advanced tools for astrophotography planning including exposure time calculations and aurora forecasting.

Core Information

• Light Pollution Map Homepage: The main application showing the interactive light pollution map with Bortle Scale data
• Homepage Markdown: AI-readable summary of the main application
• Full AI Reference: Expanded reference for features, data sources, use cases, and related apps
• Structured Knowledge JSON: Programmatic site overview and canonical resource list
• Global Light Pollution Rankings: Country and region rankings by SQM and artificial brightness data
• Global Rankings Markdown: AI-readable version of the rankings page
• Bortle Scale Information: An explanation of the Bortle Scale used to measure night sky darkness
• Sky Quality Meter (SQM): Details about the SQM measurement system for quantifying night sky brightness

Features

• Location Search: Find light pollution data for specific geographic coordinates with intelligent search functionality
• Dark Sky Finder: Identify areas with minimal light pollution for optimal stargazing
• Milky Way Visibility: Determine locations where the Milky Way may be visible based on light pollution levels
• Historical Data: View light pollution trends from 2006 to 2024 with interactive charts
• Dark Sky Places: Explore certified Dark Sky locations worldwide
• Day/Night Terminator: See which parts of the world are currently dark
• Aurora Probability: Real-time aurora forecasting with NOAA data integration (BETA)
• Sky Photo Analyzer: Estimate Bortle Scale and SQM by taking a photo of the night sky
• Exposure Calculator: Calculate equivalent exposure times for astrophotography based on light pollution levels
• Weather Integration: Nighttime weather conditions, cloud cover, and air quality data for astronomy planning
• Lunar Phase Information: Current moon phase, rise/set times, and illumination data
• Location History: Track and revisit previously searched locations
• Embeddable Widgets: Embed interactive light pollution maps on external websites

AI-Readable Topic Pages

• Bortle Scale Light Pollution Map: Explains Bortle classes, SQM context, and how to use the map
• Dark Sky Places: Explains certified dark-sky locations and trip-planning use cases
• Milky Way Visibility Map: Explains Milky Way visibility factors and recommended planning workflow
• Aurora Forecast and Dark Skies: Explains how aurora probability and sky darkness work together
• Astrophotography Exposure Calculator: Explains equivalent exposure planning under light pollution

Languages

The website supports 22 languages with complete translations including all new features:

• English Version: Default language version
• Spanish Version: Spanish language version (Español)
• Japanese Version: Japanese language version (日本語)
• Polish Version: Polish language version (Polski)
• German Version: German language version (Deutsch)
• Italian Version: Italian language version (Italiano)
• French Version: French language version (Français)
• Norwegian Version: Norwegian language version (Norsk bokmål)
• Danish Version: Danish language version (Dansk) - NEW
• Swedish Version: Swedish language version (Svenska) - NEW
• Finnish Version: Finnish language version (Suomi) - NEW
• Russian Version: Russian language version (Русский)
• Turkish Version: Turkish language version (Türkçe)
• Korean Version: Korean language version (한국어)
• Dutch Version: Dutch language version (Nederlands)
• Portuguese Version: Portuguese language version (Português)
• Romanian Version: Romanian language version (Română)
• Hungarian Version: Hungarian language version (Magyar)
• Ukrainian Version: Ukrainian language version (Українська)
• Traditional Chinese Version: Traditional Chinese language version (繁體中文)
• Arabic Version: Arabic language version (العربية)
• Hebrew Version: Hebrew language version (עברית) - NEW
• Chinese Version: Light Pollution Map's Chinese language version (DarkMap.cn)

Optional

• StargazingHub App (iOS): Mobile application for checking stargazing conditions and light pollution information. App Store rating metadata uses the China mainland region first because it has the higher rating count.
• StargazingHub App (Android): Android version of the StargazingHub mobile application
• NOAA VIIRS Data: Source of the light pollution data used in the map
• StargazingHub Website: Astronomers' forecast for observing conditions