Texas SQM Dashboard
Explore sky quality data across Texas with the DarkSky Texas SQM Dashboard. This tool helps communities, researchers, and advocates track light pollution enabling them to take informed steps to preserve the natural night sky.
DarkSky Texas and Hays County Friends of the Night Sky volunteers Geno Baiamonte (left) and Justin Camp (right) work with Woodcreek Mayor Jeff Rasco (center) to install a continuous read SQM.
Texas Sky Quality Meters Map
Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) help us understand how dark the night sky is. SQMs measure how much light is in the sky and can indicate whether light pollution improves or worsens over time. By knowing this, communities have the data to make choices about protecting the natural night sky and reducing light pollution.
SQM data is helpful for people who want to protect their health, improve visibility, reduce excessive energy use, enjoy the common view of the universe, protect habitats for animals and plants, or engage in night sky photography.
Explore the Light Pollution Map
This interactive map, sourced from the Light Pollution Map, displays light pollution levels worldwide providing an alternate way to explore the situation with artificial light at night.
Light pollution has a global impact, affecting ecosystems, human health, and our connection to the stars. Use this map to document light pollution in your area as you support the preservation of dark skies.
Sky Quality Meter Data
The chart below displays Sky Quality Meter (SQM) readings recorded across various counties. These measurements provide insight into how light pollution levels have changed over time, helping identify trends in areas with improving or worsening sky quality. Tracking such data is vital for understanding the effectiveness of light pollution mitigation efforts and guiding future initiatives to protect our night skies.
Top 10 Darkest Readings
The chart below displays the top 10 darkest Sky Quality Meter (SQM) readings recorded across various counties in Texas.
