The map displays VIIRS/World Atlas/Clouds/Aurora/IAU observatories and the user SQM measurements.
The primary use is to show VIIRS/DMSP data in a friendly manner, but over time it also included some other interesting overlays that concern light pollution like SQM/SQC, World Atlas 2015 zenith brightness, clouds, aurora and IAU observatories. If you have a permanent SQM reader installed you can add it to the map by sending me an e-mail.
Please send comments and requests for new features via email (look under help)
Functionalities:
- VIIRS, Sky Brightness, World Atlas 2015, Cloud coverage and Aurora forecast layers
- VIIRS and Sky Brightness layers can be displayed in color blind friendly colors
- Road & Satellite base maps
- Cloud animation for the last 12 hours
- Get detail radiance and SQM values from layers at a click. For Sky brightness/World Atlas 2015, you also get Bortle class estimation.
- SQM, SQM-L, SQC, SQM-LE, SQM readings submitted by users
- International dark sky parks overlay
- Submit your own SQM (L) readings
- Observatories layer
- Save your favorite locations
- Distance measurement tool with azimuth angle report
- All-sky view on light pollution with real horizon
- Offline mode (Sky brightness map and a base map are saved to your device, so it will be displayed when you are offline)
I like the app but the most recent data, VIIRS 2023, is only on the website making this app useless as of now. Hopefully it will be added soon.
Developer Response
The update should be available now.
Good app
Ggjgv
I’ve used the web based version for some time but thought I’d try the app. Overall it’s great. Understanding some of the values being listed and what it means for your dark sky experience takes a little leg work. I had to go and actually read part of the paper that goes along with the underlying data set. For me the salient figure would be the ratio listed whenever you click on a point in the map. This ratio is the ratio of the artificial brightness from pollution over the natural brightness of the night sky. Per the paper looking straight up anything 1% or less is about as good as you’re going to get (middle of the ocean would be 0% but 1% is about as good if not looking at the horizon). Haven’t looked at every feature so far but overall app works great but the lag to get stats when you click on a location gets tedious.
Very Nice
-hicketre2006-
Jurij: Great app! Certainly a very useful tool for all kinds of things. I found it as someone had linked to it from Reddit. People like to know where to go to stargaze, or see the northern lights. Take care!
So important
11224331
This tool is so important in showing how humans are changing the planet. All life depends on darkness for circadian rhythms, and this measures how much we need to return to a healthy state for flora and fauna alike.
- Added 2025 VIIRS and Sky brightness overlays.
- When area statistics are shown for Sky brightness/World Atlas, locations of the minimum and maximum values are now also marked on the map.
- Other minor fixes and improvements.
Version 1.1.35
The developer, Jurij Stare, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Jurij Stare
Size
21 MB
Category
Navigation
Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 15.0 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
