Light Pollution Map | Bortle Scale & Dark Sky (2026)

# 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 comprehensive light pollution data sourced from NOAA's VIIRS, presented through an interactive map interface. Users can search for specific locations, view Bortle Scale classifications, access detailed information about night sky visibility, and utilize advanced tools for astrophotography planning including exposure time calculations and aurora forecasting. ## Core Information - [Light Pollution Map Homepage](https://lightpollutionmap.app): The main application showing the interactive light pollution map with Bortle Scale data - [Bortle Scale Information](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bortle_scale): An explanation of the Bortle Scale used to measure night sky darkness - [Sky Quality Meter (SQM)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_quality_meter): Details about the SQM measurement system for quantifying night sky brightness ## Features - [Location Search](https://lightpollutionmap.app): Find light pollution data for specific geographic coordinates with intelligent search functionality - [Dark Sky Finder](https://lightpollutionmap.app): Identify areas with minimal light pollution for optimal stargazing - [Milky Way Visibility](https://lightpollutionmap.app): Determine locations where the Milky Way may be visible based on light pollution levels - [Historical Data](https://lightpollutionmap.app): View light pollution trends from 2006 to 2024 with interactive charts - [Dark Sky Places](https://lightpollutionmap.app): Explore certified Dark Sky locations worldwide - [Day/Night Terminator](https://lightpollutionmap.app): See which par